I recently took a cross-country flight, and after finishing a book I'd been working on for months, I found my self people-watching.  It used to be one of my favorite things to do in malls and airports, but once the kids came along . . . let's just say  that wasn't a luxury I could afford.

In the relative quiet and pseudo-solitude, I let my imagination wander into the lives of the strangers around me.  What kind of mother is she?  What type of business does he do?  Is he usually this grouchy?  What is she so tense about?  I wonder why the lady next to me isn't interested in small talk? 

 The questions led me to realize that most of us aren't really interested in chit-chat.  Our world is full of it already.  Little exchanges all day long that have no meaning.  Words that hold no value.  Pleasantries, empty phrases, words lacking heart.  And truthfully, I'm not interested in making small talk either.  Sometimes it takes to much energy, but usually it just seems a waste, so why bother.  Especially when the circumstance doesn't demand it, right?  If Miss 17A doesn't want to tell me why she's flying to Alabama, then I won't even ask. 

Of course, all this pondering led me to other thoughts. 

 What kinds of conversation IS of interest?  What words can I use to create a conversation that holds meaning?  Is there a way to convey compassion and genuine interest in a few moments?  How can I share His Goodness in a short conversation with a stranger? 

 Because I'm no expert, and my thoughts are poorly researched by a complete unprofessional, I will only share what makes ME want to converse with a stranger.

Sincerity - you know it when you see it.

Eye contact - yup, you know it when you see it.

Body language - if you're interested in what I'm saying, your words don't need to say it, but everything else will.

Value - if you bring up something that is important to me, I'll open up.

In thinking about these four factors, if I were able to display this to everyone I share words with, opportunity to show His love and His joy should come pretty naturally.

Once I realize I'm going to have to put forth some effort, the flight steward opens up and tells me that he and his wife are both working for the airlines, wanting to start a family, and planning to move to Phoenix.  Hmmm, quite a bit of information to share with a complete unknown!  This really does work!

 Lord, Help me to be willing to really listen, really care, really share.  Help me to be ready to "chit-chat" with the people I see in these moments of life.

An interesting site to explore is Ordinary Attempts.

Technorati Tags: 17a body language chit circumstance compassion cross country eye contact favorite things few moments genuine interest goodness grouchy kinds of conversation malls Meta pleasantries sincerity solitude stranger