Should you think I'm addressing terrorism from some other country, I'm not. I am discussing a social trait which reflects an ongoing terror; a personal terror which erodes and pains the hearts of ordinary folks. I speak of being afraid to meet strangers.
Have you ever considered how frozen we are? When we encounter or are encountered by the unacquainted a freeze-stare or a bold look in another direction is too often imminent. One of the things I like about the Quik-Trip employees is they greet the customers/strangers (Maybe strange customers?) with such enthusiasm.
I was in line to vote in the darkness of 6:45 today as a group of us awaited the 7:00 a.m. opening. A dozen strangers stood in line without a word; complete silence. After a bit, it just became too weird. Are we in frozen terror of one another?
I decided to make an announcement. Why not. Anyone could have the floor; I mean the sidewalk. Thank you all for coming. This won't take long. The reason I called this meeting is I have a few church bonds for sale....this won't take long....really. They broke out laughing. I was their anti-freeze!
Strangers began interacting. One man was surely happy discussions began as he had lots to say!
After a bit I said, Well everyone, I think we can see where this is going. Let's go ahead and draw names for Christmas! Urgh...wouldn't you know the doors opened and our gathering on the sidewalk came to a halt. Just when it was going so good....it had to end.
Our goal? Become anti-freeze to a society that needs thawing.
1 comment:
And if we don't see one another before Easter, we'll each hide our own eggs! I love it! I had a similar experience yesterday during a lengthy elevator ride filled with strangers. I wondered aloud, "why do elevators seem to smell different to pygmies?" It was great!
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