Alone
One of the positive issues our family discussed when
entertaining a transfer to a different state was being more sympathetic to
interfacing with strangers that move into our lives. We had not left our birth state until that
time and such a life changing event is always challenging. We also discussed that such a move could be
very adventurous in exploring a completely new country and meeting new
people. That can certainly be new paths
in life and it can also be somewhat daunting.
I was reminded of this commitment last Sunday at our church
service which meets in the Fellowship Hall featuring tables that seat eight people. That arrangement can be more conducive to
socializing with those you know, but also intimidating for strangers, compared
to rows of chairs or pews. I was having
a congenial conversation just as the service started and didn’t notice a senior
woman slipping into the service.
When I turned my attention to the front, I noticed this
stranger sitting alone at the next table.
I could only imagine how uncomfortable she must have been so obviously apart
from others at the front of the room. At
that point, I believe that I was getting more anxious for her than she may have
been about herself. We took a break to
pass the peace to those around us and thankfully others joined me in welcoming
the woman. She seemed very pleasant. When we’re in the presence of a group of
strangers, I think most of us would simply prefer to blend in at the beginning. But we don’t want someone to feel isolated.
During the service I couldn’t help but wonder if I should
have invited her to join our table, but she had elected to choose one that was
available. And that would have been
disruptive during the service. And there’s
a fine line between being overzealous and ignoring someone. However, after the service I made a point of welcoming
her again and wished her a good week.
Thinking back to our first visits to area churches, there were some that
never acknowledged our presence and there was the one we joined that followed
up to welcome us. That was twenty-five
years ago.
