Nice to Meet You!
I attended the local symphony one recent Sunday afternoon. Now that my husband is gone I renewed my annual subscription for just one seat. Occasionally the one beside me (the one Charles occupied) is empty as most people seem to come in twos or threes.
This particular Sunday, however, an older gentleman slid into the vacant spot. He opened his program and studied it for a moment and then turned and asked me a question about the theme for the day. I had attended the pre-concert info session so I knew the answer. That led to a stimulating conversation about classical music, grandchildren, his upcoming vacation to China with his wife and so on. I felt enriched by simply speaking with someone in a place where I often remain quiet.
Afterwards I joined other subscribers at the post-concert reception at a nearby venue and sat with a woman about my age. We got to talking about this and that and found we had a lot in common regarding the arts.
All this to say that when I take a moment to engage with someone new, even when I feel shy or reluctant, my day is always better for it. So I’ve made up my mind to seek conversation, to step out and introduce myself, to ask questions and to pay attention to the answers.
There are so many good people out there and I want to get to know them and to share myself with them. It’s amazing what a few minutes of talking things over with others can do to improve one’s day.
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:4
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Oh my dear Karen, whoever you talk to will be enriched by it. I am so glad you are finding these occasions to share yourself with others. I have a habit of talking to people where ever I go. My mother said she could not remember when I didn’t talk. 🙂 I meet the most interesting people in Henry Cowell Park and out by the Lighthouse Field area. One of my most memorable ones was the time I asked a group of people at Henry Cowell where they were from. The answer was Siberia!! Keep reaching out , I do agree the world is full of wonderful, interesting people. Who knows which one will need just the words you can say. Love to you. Etta Mae.
Thank you, Etta Mae. What a cheerful and encouraging comment. 🙂
Beautiful happenings Karen and happy to know you continue to pursue the joys of life especially chatting with others and opening up to new potential friendships. You are indeed blessed and I look forward to seeing you soon. Much love always dear friend ❤️
Thank you, Kathleen. I appreciate your encouragement, always.
Thank you for your beautiful writing.You’ve inspired me to do the same and get out of my comfort zone. Thank you for being such a special person in my life. I love you.
Thanks, Sandy. It is good to get out of our comfort zone from time to time. I need to do it more often.
Good for you, Karen! I talk to strangers all the time, even though I was taught as a kid not to do that.
Good for you, Janet. You can be my inspiration to talk to new people more often.
Karen, it seems you have come to a turning point in your “aloneness”, and I’m happy for you. Interaction with others was essential in my recovery from the grieving period and has been a real blessing since then. I can’t imagine not having my friends rooting for me when I’m down and celebrating with me when times are good.
I believe God puts special people in our path when we need them, and Charlie is probably smiling also, don’t you think?
Thanks, Marie. Yes, I think Charles would be happy for me. He was such a social person I often relied on him to start conversations with new people. Now I must reach out on my own.
I’m so happy to read about you meeting new people. Life is full of great people and talking to others can lead to precious conversations. Enjoy.
Thanks, John. How nice to hear from you and to receive your encouragement.
Hi Karen, You inspire me the way you connect with people and embrace life. That verse from Philippians is perfect for this post.
Thank you, Pam. I appreciate your encouragement.
Lovely, Karen. I too am often blessed by brief interactions with (former) strangers as we find commonalities, enjoy chatting, and are enriched by our conversation. I’m glad you are seeking out such opportunities. Both you and they will be richer for sharing together.
Thanks, Carol, for encouraging me.
Wonderful! I have always loved “people”. I like to meet new friends and want to know all about them! Not long ago our Rector at the church called me and asked if it would be okay for a lady to come and see me as she really did want to meet me because the card I sent to her when she needed prayers gave her encouragement. She came over and we had such a good time -sharing stories as to ‘why and how’ God had let us move to Florida. Now I have a almost weekly visitor and we both love it. I needed another weekly visitor as the one I had no longer can come. God does provide in such wonderful ways.
I am so glad you shared this story with us. Blessings with love,
Margret
Thanks, Margaret. Charles was always a social person, as you are, so I took my lead from him. He used to have six men over for a prayer breakfast a couple of times a year. He did all the prep and cleanup and I left the house so he could take complete charge and handle things his way. The men loved it and so did Charles.
My kids tease me that I talk to everyone wherever I go, but that is now. You are an inspiration to me, Karen, and I love to hear your stories. You have so much to offer others, and I’m sure they were blessed.
Thanks, dear Sherry, for always being one of my cheerleaders. I remember my mother as a very talkative and social person. I used to ask her why she talked to strangers–since she advised me as a child not to. She said it was nice to be friendly. I didn’t totally ‘get’ that mixed message until I became an adult and had kids of my own.
Hi Karen, it is good to know that you are out talking to new people. It’s a fun thing to do wherever you are.
My sister said I am the only person she knew who became friends with a “wrong number”! (on my part)
Thanks for chiming in, Carol Sue. I’ve always admired your social ways and your friendly style. You’re my inspiration when it comes to speaking to people I don’t yet know. 🙂