Why did the first words out of his mouth seem to be a justification for why I hadn't seen him in church? Why were the first thoughts in my head, "I wonder why I haven't seen him in church in a while?" Why are people so predictable? Why am I so predictable?
I proceeded to ask what was new with him and his family. The man told me about his family and his new daughter. He pulled out his wallet and showed me a picture without me even asking. I could tell he was a proud father. All the latest news seemed to be about his family.
When the man asked me what was the latest with me, I described my busy summer of ministry adventures, spiritual writing, work in the family business, mentoring and personal journey with God. I couldn't help but realize that he had one main thing in his life that I do not. The man focused on his family. Sometimes I really miss not having a wife and kids. Other times I am so glad that I am single without kids. Today was one of those times that I wish I had some pictures to show.
When we meet a stranger or old acquaintance and try to recap our life in two minutes, that is when we really know what we have been doing with our time and energy. Those conversations reveal what is really important to us and what we want to prop up to the world to show that our lives mean something.
Why then do we spend so much time on the things that don't matter? Why do we seem to ignore the things that we tell others about if we only have a minute to describe what makes life worth living?
