Estimated reading time: 2 minute(s)

We just finished a 12-hour drive from our house to the home of our friends in Mechanicsville, VA. I’m tired, but wanted to share something I observed on the 500 plus mile trek across many states.

We saw many people today. At our various stops. That was fun. Some were friendly, others kept their polite distance. That’s what I was doing as well, as a good little American. Personal space and privacy are paramount, or so we think. I happened to see a table full of multi-ethnic children of all ages, and one “mom” looking lady. There were seven kids, and her. I was intrigued, so I thought about going up to ask what their story was, what brought them together. I was stopped however as my cultural limiter reminded me that to do so would be to presumptuously invade their personal space. I don’t like to presume, so… I did nothing.

As I considered my choice, I thought about how we tend to treat everyone around us as the background, the backdrop of our lives. Perhaps this is just me. But it seems that we are taught to, and happy to, allow other people to have their private space. Not to intrude. But, how will we ever get to share each others burdens, each others cool stories? How can we share life if we never even interact?

I hope to remedy this. I hope to look at people the way Jesus does. The way he did when he walked around Israel. Each person has a story, and supreme, unique significance. Just because he made us. Instead of blending into the background, I want to engage the world God has placed me in… even if my culture would have me do otherwise.

So strangers, beware! I’m about to interact!