Our weekly boys-night-out with my sons plus a spare was extra special last night. Dinner and a movie with casual, sometimes comical conversation is usually on the agenda.
Last night our spare’s name was Joel and our restaurant of choice was the world famous Taco Bell. Taco’s and burritos a-la-cart with smiles all-around as things were going just as expected until Julia approached us unexpectedly and shook-up our normal.
Tattered clothes, matted hair with a toothless smile, she definitely fit the description of what the “good book” (bible) describes as “The least of these”. She approached us unassumingly holding a small cardboard sign with the words “Merry Christmas! Can you spare some change to make my families Christmas Merry?”
After I read this note out loud, our spare Joel quickly whipped out two dollars and handed it to her with a smile. I then attempted to chat with her but she stated that she was deaf and could only read lips or sign-language. Challenge! I thought, but I was definitely up for it. I used a few signs that I knew to get past the simple stuff then I had to rely on mouthing my words slowly. This really made for an interesting conversation and we could all see her face light up as she shared about her life’s travels and what’s her current struggle.
It’s amazing how much we managed to learn in just under 25 minutes of conversation with our new friend Julia. We wished her the best and parted ways with a smile and I was then able to seize the opportunity to express to my boys the importance of giving something that can at times be better than money. That thing was casual, sincere “conversation”.
Yes that’s right folks, plain-ole’ conversation can give to someone much more than money could ever give. It was extremely clear that Julia was positively affected by our short conversation with her and it was quite obvious that she was not used to someone being as interested in her journey and I’m sure she’s not soon to forget our positive encounter. Me and my boys won’t forget it either. 🙂
I encourage you NOT to miss your opportunities to send a message to those around you about how important our positive words and conversation can be to “the least of these” and other people period. These actions aren’t just reserved for the holidays, they’re appropriate for all-our-days.
So be advised and encouraged today and let’s continue to Make it GREAT!
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