I had one of my knees replaced not long ago, so I’m going to physical therapy three times a week. I suppose as therapy places go, this one is neither huge nor small—somewhere in between. I like to get there a few minutes early to check in and not be rushed. There’s almost always someone in the waiting room and sometimes as many as half a dozen people. What I thought would be of interest is what happens in the waiting room.
People engage with and talk to each other.
You read that right—they look at others in the eye, answer questions, ask questions, share observations, insights, and experiences. And it’s not just older people, or people who don’t have their phones with them, or something else. The interaction seems to go beyond any obvious common denominators.
As far as I can tell, no one has a pre-existing relationship. We’re all unknown to each other (with the exception that our faces are starting to become familiar). Nonetheless, there we are—chatting with each other about the weather, how well we’re sleeping at night, and whatever else pops up on the conversational radar. The truth is, the subject matter of the conversations isn’t what’s important—it’s the opportunity for social interaction.
After all, that’s the way our Father made us. He exists in community (Father, Son, and Spirit) and He created us in His image, so we’re made for community as well. It’s healthy when we do this and unhealthy when we don’t. And while screens have their place—they’re no substitute for face-to-face interaction!
But our conversations are more than just opportunities for social interaction. Each one has the potential for something more. And what is that? Well, that’s governed by the same principle as the rest of life—the only way to find that out is to act on the opportunity.
Christ was constantly acting on such opportunities and engaging with the people around Him. He didn’t hide behind a scroll or practice avoidance. Think about His encounters with the woman at the well (John 4), Zaccheus (Luke 19), Andrew (John 1:35-40), Matthew (Matthew 9:9), the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). He is our example.
The next time you’re in a public place, remember this and look for opportunities to engage with others. You don’t have to be an extrovert to reach out to another human being. You’ll be blessed and you’ll be a blessing.
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 