A simple step to promote community.

I was recently listening to a talk from the National Leaders Conference, (great talks, worth a listen! Click here) and I was challenged to aim to speak to people when I was out and about in town. It wasn't suggested that I should necessarily tell them about God but that I should at least start conversations, be open and polite. This challenge struck me as is good idea. I’m so aware of how our society seems to have shaped so may of us into independent time conscious, busy people. I notice so much loneliness in our society and would like to start to combat it. However I’m quite scared of starting conversations, I always imagine the person being angry with me for talking to them!

I have a huge habit of listening to music as I walk along which I love but thought maybe I should stop doing it to open up potential conversations with people and make me more approachable. The first time I stepped out without any music was when I was walking from the church office to the bus stop. I felt very aware of what I was doing, I felt a little lost without the distraction of my music and I also thought I couldn't imagine talking to anyone in the short walk to the bus stop! As I neared the alley way to cut through to the main road an older lady was walking my way, she let me over take her as she was slower than me but I said I wasn't in a hurry. We then chatted all the way to the bus stop and while we waited for the bus to come! It was so lovely! I felt so encouraged that it was that easy to do! The lady really wanted to talk, in actual fact she did most of the talking! She definitely wasn’t angry! I think I shall do this all the time! It was actually fun!