BY KRISTIN HAMMETT–I had an oil change appointment after a 4-day work trip. With a lot to catch up on, I pulled out my computer in the lobby of the service department. I could get a lot done in 45 minutes if I stayed focused.
An older gentleman was sitting beside me. He seemed jolly and kind. I was torn. Should I engage in conversation or keep my head down? For many of you, I’m sure this decision would have been easy. But I like to be productive.
Somewhat reluctantly, I folded down the top of my laptop and began talking to him. In the next 45 minutes I learned about his time at war, his wife who passed away 10 years ago, his 40-year career at the manufacturing plant, the part-time minister role he held, his two daughters and his dog. When I asked him what advice he would share with someone 40 years younger, he quickly replied with a smile, “Accept Jesus.”
I learned a lot about that kind gentleman that morning. I didn’t get a single email answered. But it was 45 minutes well-spent. It was productive. It made me think. How often do we just listen? No agenda. Just listen.
That conversation in the service department lobby taught me to listen more. Everyone has a story. Are we asking those we meet about theirs?
Our guest post comes from Kristin Hammett, who serves as Director of Ministry Services at The Signatry, a global Christian foundation dedicated to helping people of faith use their resources to solve the world’s greatest problems.
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