Why Mom was Wrong about Talking to Strangers

This trip would have been like any other I’d taken in the last several weeks had it not been for this one thing.

You see, when you travel a lot you tend to forget which airport you’re in – at least I do. Nothing really stands out from one airport or one plane ride to the next. Everything seems familiar and predictable. You get to know the free WiFi hotspots, where the charging kiosks are, and how close the nearest Starbucks is – all the important things in life. 🙂

Then you get on the plane, listen to the obligatory safety drill and hopefully in no time at all, you’re at your destination. At least, that’s usually how it goes.

About a half an hour into this particular flight, I’d already settled in for my first nap. By the time the flight attendants came around with drinks I’d decided to pick up my book. On a three-hour flight there was more than enough time for another nap.

“Aren’t they beautiful?”, he asked.

On this flight I’d gotten the middle seat and I had to peer over his shoulder to see what he meant. There below the bright blue skies was a string of enchanting islands dotting the azure Caribbean Sea.

And that’s how it started.

It would have been easy to feign a smile and bury my head in my book. I mean after all, didn’t mom warn about talking to strangers? No need to carry on an entire conversation, right?

But a funny thing happens when you let your guard down and open up to a God-appointed moment.

Maybe it was the wisdom of his years or the fact that he reminded me of my dad, but for some reason I decided to listen and engage. And I’m so glad I did.

It was casual at first, as most polite conversations with total strangers are. We admired the islands, remarked on how clear the skies were and chatted lightly about the trip.

But what did this 80-year old stranger say that had my eyes red and my heart full by the end of the flight? This sweet old man, touched my heart with his passionate words. I guess when you’re his age you have a way of doing that. You can be gentle, wise and unapologetically bold in a charming way.

Here are some of the takeaways from my conversation with this stranger in the skies.

Lessons on Life from a Total Stranger

1. Do your best and be happy with that
2. Accept others as they are, differences and all. In his words, “I’ve never met a man I didn’t like.”
3. Slow down, life is short
4. Enjoy the time you have with your kids and make it count
5. Life can be good or bad, it all depends on your perspective
6. The older you grow the more lessons you learn
7. Share your life with others
8. Believe that you can change
9. Be a better you

See what I mean?

This gentle man was packed full of wisdom and willing to share it with me just for the price of listening.

I might never meet my travelling partner again but I have a feeling his words will impact me for a long time to come. Because I believe that God has a way of speaking to us in many different ways — including using the words of a perfect stranger.

So the next time you find yourself in the company of a stranger, don’t be too quick to lose yourself in your book or your phone, or whatever other self-absorbing device you might have on hand.

Take a moment to strike up a conversation. How bad would it be to entertain strangers? Give it a try. You just never know what sweet blessings await.

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. – Hebrews 13:2

What about you?

When was the last time you entertained a stranger? Did it ever cross your mind that you might be entertaining an angel?

Are you brave enough to be that stranger who gets the conversation started?

Wishing you blessings, 

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