Bibles

Today a man approached me on the way to dinner at the school cafeteria. He was a very good conversationalist, asking about my interests in school, sport, religion, and other activities. It was easy to talk to him. Then he popped a question: would I like to read scripture with him over dinner? I felt something like this coming as I chatted with him, but I felt comfortable and open enough to go ahead and grab a taco and sit. We read the parable of the lost son, with a message very similar to that of the lost sheep. Now, the meaning of the scripture is always a good one- that we should be compassionate towards others and also recognize other’s good qualities before their faults. But what most impressed me was not that he would sit and share the scripture, but that he didn’t want anything more from me- just to share the word and get my take on it. Not pushy, a little uncomfortable at first, but I was glad that I took the time to sit with this man and discuss what would be best described as an uplifting worldview regarding relationships with those both close and far from us. And I would do it again. Being open to others may be uncomfortable at times, but I find it always pays off in some way or another.