Wednesday June 15 2016  WHO IS THE STRANGER?

We are but one among millions.  Do you ever wonder if there is even one stranger with whom your paths cross who gives you a second thought?   Do you ever wonder about people who are shopping beside you, or the person across from you as you are going up in the same elevator?  Do you wonder about the man or woman who is sitting across from you in a waiting room?  Me, I wonder about everything and just about everyone with whom I come in contact.  And here I am even wondering if you ever wonder. 

One of my most interesting things to wonder about is people.  I enjoy starting conversations with complete strangers and listening to their stories.  I enjoy learning about their differences, their backgrounds, and more about who they are.  Why?  Well, for heaven’s sake, I don’t have a clue why I like to wonder.  Maybe some would just call me nosey; others might see it as rude.  Or maybe God just made me that way.

One thing that intrigues me are tattoos.  I always wonder about the story behind the tattoo.  When a person opens up and shares the why, the where, and the purpose of their tattoo, so much is said in a short conversation.  Their stories tell so much about who they are, their past pains, their future dreams, their passions and hope, and so much more.  What makes their stories especially interesting is that they are illustrated.  Though I have never felt the desire to have a tattoo myself, and on threat of our son’s life, I forbade him from having one as long as he lived at home.  However, I am still fascinated by the fact that people are willing to sit under the kneedle in order to declare their story in a quiet, yet visual form.  I think tattoos are signs waiting to be read.  It’s as if a tattoo has its own voice saying, “SEE ME!  SEE ME!”.   And so, if the situation presents itself, I simply say, “What is the story behind your tattoo?”  And our conversation begins.

You would not believe the stories I have heard.  The body decorations declare extreme loss, great celebration, some with regret, much joy, and pure pride and pleasure just to have the designs decorating their limbs, torsos, necks and face.  And some, I have been told, are even hidden.  If you ever want to engage with someone in a crowd choose someone with a tattoo and give it a try.  The worst that can happen is they look at you with disdain and walk away (which has not yet happened to me), and at the best thing that can happen is that you just might get an interesting story.  And I like stories.

Today I was shopping and saw a young woman with a unique hair style.  I commented on it and it opened the door to conversation.  She had tattoos also but she said there were no stories behind them.  After speaking with her a few moments I realized that at least one of her tattoos spoke loud and clear once I found out that she is a dancer and yoga instructor.  Her name is Nicole and I asked her if she would share a bit of her story.  She graduated with a Dance and Yoga major and is now working in Egypt as a dance and yoga instructor at an international school.  Just the fact that she arrived home two days ago from Egypt for a visit fueled my pump with all kinds of questions.  I asked many questions and Nicole seemed patient and kind as she shared about her job and the Egyptian culture.  Before we parted I asked her if she would speak the wisdom she has learned.  Here is Nicole’s words:

“I would say for me, the most things I’ve learned are to just take chances and take risks no matter if it’s pushing you a little bit out of your comfort zone.  Those are the ways in which you learn and you grow.  If you always just stay where you are you never really get to experience how other people live.”

I loved her comments.  Last year as I traveled I did just that.  I took chances and I took risks.  I approached people and heard a lot of stories along my journey.  Yes, I was still in the United States and Canada but out of the way places are truly like a different society.  It was amazing to experience so many unbelievable places and meet so many interesting people. There were some places in the south which actually made me feel as if I were in another country.  Though many of my experiences were short I will forever have the memories of what I did, who I met, and where I was.  And the great thing I have discovered is, if you are willing to take chances, like questioning a total stranger about their tattoo, you can discover a whole new world just in that one person.  Regardless of who I meet I always seem to walk away a richer person than I was before I met them.  And you know what?  I believe people like to be noticed.  If they don’t, they’ll let you know and the conversation will be very short.

Thank you Nicole for being so kind as you listened to an older woman.  And even more thanks for opening up and sharing a bit of your own story.  You made my day brighter. 

YOU MAY MISS OUT

By Kathleen Martens

June 15, 2016

So many strangers we pass every day

In their silent world, going on their way.

But who are they, these faces I see?

What do they wonder when they look at me?

The world is so big, yet so small

And we are silent, refraining to call.

We keep to ourselves, reading smart-phones

Without being attuned to another’s moans.

Who is that man, that boy, or that girl

With their busy lives, lived in a whirl?

Do they even care who I am?

Would they help me if I were in a jam?

Or would I help them in their plight

If another engaged them to fight?

Am I willing to help another,

Whether it be friend, stranger or brother?

When we are not friendly, what do we miss

As we pass silently in a great abyss?

What would happen if we said hello again?

Would there be a chance to make a friend?

Are you willing to chance a few words?

Or are you concerned you might not be heard?

Take a risk and give it a try,

You might be helping another to fly.

It may be hard to get rid of your phone,

Or to step out of your comfort zone.

But by doing so is how you grow,

And with each step, your learning will show.

When you reach and to others you give,

You may then experience how another person lives.

Don’t stay where you are until your end,

You may miss finding your very best friend!

Thank You God for the courage You give me.

Thank You for all the wonderful people I meet.

Thank You Lord for all the wonderful opportunities You provide for me.

Thank You for garage sales.

Thank You for my new pots and pans.

GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU. 

GOOD NIGHT!