Sunday, December 11, 2011

"Everybody's Normal Till You Get to Know Them" ...

After attending a couple Christmas gatherings lately, I decided that the title of this John Ortburg book was true.  You know, when you're at an open house or party, and you try to be social and circulate, and you sit down just to talk for a little while (you think), and someone really opens up to you for the first time?  You get to know them better.  (That is not always a good thing but sometimes it truly IS!)  Yesterday I had an interesting conversation with a guy that I would have never thought I had ANYTHING in common with.  Just a normal guy, husband of a friend, truck driver, quiet.  It is a real joy remembering the stimulating thoughts and ideas that we exchanged.  How often does that happen anymore?  Not often enough for me.  And makes me wish I "got out more".  Sometimes I miss living in Indy ...

Along the same lines, while visiting with Mother this week the chaplain stopped by our table while we were downstairs in the big living room for coffee.  He had just preached a funeral sermon for a 97-year-old woman who had meant a lot to him and he shared his story of her influence on his life.  Not a preachy sort of discussion, but a really good story about how she helped direct his life just by how she lived her life.  Having two stimulating conversations in one week is a good thing.

I had a wonderful surprise this a.m. when I got an email from my cousin Jane.  We had been out of touch.  She lives in Florida so we don't get to see each other anymore.  Christmas must be coming ... good things are happening!

1 comment:

Sassafras and Winterberry said...

I always love the meaningful over the purely social! Sounds like you got two of both...wonderful! Happy holiday feelings!!