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Engage in lives of others, break out of your shell
Posted 4/25/2011
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Commentary by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) LeBane Hal
349th Air Mobility Wing
4/25/2011 - TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE,Calif. -- I was walking down the hall of the Travis hotel and I heard a laugh. It made me smile. It was loud, it was constant and it was a little girl, about three years old, laughing with her mother. Each time she stopped laughing, her mom would do something funny and she would laugh again. It was precious.
Later, I went outside and was walking by a couple. They did not seem very happy. I was hoping they might pass by the little girl laughing, as it would definitely brighten their day. I do not know if there had been a squabble between them or if there was a hardship in the family, but their emotions were written all over their faces. Honestly, it was depressing.
Much later that evening, I went out to eat. It was dinner time and I was craving fish. I passed by a guy wearing an Indianapolis Colts T-shirt. I am a big fan and have been for many years. I wanted to say, "Go Colts," or, "Peyton's the man," but interrupting just seemed inappropriate, because he was having an intense conversation with another individual. They did not seem angry, flustered or frustrated, just engaged in deep, mind-boggling conversation.
I ordered my fish and the clerk asked about my name. It is unique and people ask about it all of the time. I mentioned it being two words (created by my sister who took French) and its less than stellar meaning. Yes, I entertained the clerk with my stories and, when I was finished, his reaction was, "Next." Deflated, I went to eat and never looked back.
My sons are growing up in a world that never seems to engage in life. Oh, we meet people online, but I am talking about being engaged with our neighbors, co-workers, acquaintances and even complete strangers.
I feel like I should have shared how the little girl's laughter brightened my day, spoke to the couple about the little girl laughing just to try to assist them, shared with the T-shirt-wearing fan our mutual team affection or tried again to engage the clerk with my repartee. Failure may have happened in any or all of those scenarios, but not trying means I already failed. I guess some might be shocked I even tried to speak with them and some may have even called me crazy. Engaging others may be difficult, but I hope my sons can see the joy in doing so.
I was coming back from the gym the other day. I was sweaty and my hair was a mess. I did not look good at all. A member on base saw me, came over to say hi and we spoke for an hour in the inn lobby. We talked about our kids and dinosaurs, and told funny stories that made both of us laugh.
I thought I probably should leave the conversation due to my dripping sweat, but the person never said a word about it, only asked questions about family, work and fun. We spoke about God, faith and perseverance. I finished the conversation feeling better inside, which I am sure mirrored the benefits of the physical exercise.
I would like to be engaged in the lives of others more often and break out of the shell my sons and I seem to live in.
This is probably an area you struggle with too. So, what do you think? Would you like to be more engaged with others, too?
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| Jack, Travis AFB |
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| vickey , randolph afb |
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| Jerry, Eglin |
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| DA, USA |
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| Smoker, AZ |
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| Richard Turcotte, South West Asia |
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| Danell Wilhelm, HAFB |
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| Mid-Major, USA |
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