What a truly great trip back from Los Angeles. There is a theological point lurking here.
Preface. I am an introvert. Tend to sit by myself. Not usually the one to say to a stranger “can I sit here?” and strike up a conversation. Others generously did that for me at ACMI 2009 – and they were great gifts. Glory to God for brave and generous people who sit with strangers!
/end preface
Heading back to airport in a van. Huge line on the sidewalk and I comment how much I hate lines. Someone in the van says “use that time to meet people and talk with them”. But do not sometimes people feel like “leave me alone” or even “who are you and what do you want?” Why – I am supposed to share with you the good news of Jesus Christ! Right? Oh man.
Well – I tried to be more extrovert and social than usual.
Talk to a woman and her husband in security line. Talk to two women (this is when I feel particularly weird) behind me. My turn for the ATS agent and I say “oh look at that beautiful smile – you just made my day”.
Call Jean to see how the treatments are going.
On the plane – shall I talk to the young woman on my left or the older gentleman on my right? Had 3 hours of sleep so not feeling so hot myself. “What are you reading?” And the gentleman… well that was the beginning of a 3 hour conversation. About religion. Politics. Language. Movies. You name it.
It was clear in 3 minutes he thinks religion is a dangerous harmful thing. The book is about notorious murders by people who thought God was telling them to kill this or that person. I decide to listen. No arguing or trying to convince or convert. A couple times I press back with why I believe this or that (and in response to his asking). And he presses right back with “see – that is a cheat… you bring down the universe… you anthropomorphize… you insult existence”. All very pleasant and with a smile.
And he clearly is more to the left than me on political issues. He is quite angry about conservative opposition to Sotomayor. Very strongly supports labor unions and protectionism. And it is all Nixon’s fault – ultimately. Although he – like me – is a libertarian (albeit leaning slightly statist on business and economy) and we find some common ground. But I listen occasionally nod “unh hunh” and try to understand.
It was a delightful interesting engaging conversation. I am glad he challenged me – hard – on some of my views. Specific example – “why does the universe need human beings to take care of it [my exegesis of Genesis 1-2 well sort of]? would not the planet be a paradise without human beings?” That is a very fine point that deserves an answer (which I think I have but did not want to argue).
He says “you are the most interesting person I have ever sat next to on an airplane”. (Oh please. Surely not.) Asks me to pray for him this weekend. Gives me his email address so I can check on him afterwards.
I no longer like to fly. The 3 hour flight passed quickly and was a joy. “What are you reading?” It was the gift of an unexpected conversation.
Quick layover in Houston then board flight to Baton Rouge. My brother calls – did not see that coming. They just saw “Star Trek” and we talk about the original series and Captain Pike and delta rays and mirror universe and Pixar films. And his daughter and my kids and so on. The gift of an unexpected conversation.
Sit next to middle aged gentleman who looks to be from India with his wife – who sits several rows up. I offer to switch so they can sit together. Then I realize “wait – as if I do not want to sit with him?” and let it drop.
Apparently I know him. Sort of. His wife works at University Baptist Church. Other members of the family whom I know personally also work at the church. (Child development center or weekend childcare – I do not see them regularly.) He is from Bangladesh and I learn a great deal about the history of that nation its challenges and relationship with other countries. Oh – and the family he is visiting lives in an apartment complex I know intimately. Some of our people live there and the church bus stops there every Friday night and Sunday morning.
“On your way home from a trip?” The gift of an unexpected conversation.
So this is what happens when the introvert – carefully and prudently one hopes – cracks open the shell just a bit. Takes a risk. And talks to a stranger.
Oh – and one more thing.
Louisiana people.
I love Louisiana people. Louisiana people waiting for a plane – I mean if the flight is to Baton Rouge we must be from there because who on earth travels to Baton Rouge? We laugh and talk and chat together – like we are old friends and neighbors. San Diego marathon. She hates to fly. Get off the plane and everyone is smiling and kind and generous to each other. “No after you. I will take the next elevator”. I have seen it on flights to New Orleans as well. Talking with people at ACMI I shared it several times how Louisiana people are warm friendly generous and very social. You do not see the same usual? (really? can one prove this by comparing to flights to other cities and states?) stony silence between strangers.
Oh yeah Louisiana got its share of problems too. But we really are like that – am I right?
