"Was That Out Loud?"

Screengrab from the SSO Facebook page

This past week, the Symphony had another of their book and music sales. It’s a bookworm’s dream; used books at fabulous prices. (This happens a couple times a year; I am a regular attendee. New-to-me reading while supporting the SSO? Yes please!)

In the mystery section (but of course!) I came across a few books that are on my reading wish-list; and made some excited comment… and when the very nice person beside me chuckled, I realised that I was, in fact, speaking aloud. I apologised for the interruption, and we both carried on our way of scanning the shelves.

…until a moment later, when she asked if I had read one of the books. Based on my excitement from a moment earlier, she was recommending another author of a similar style and genre. This led to a series of discussions about books, with several other people joining in from time to time.

The conversations were unexpected, and delightful. It was entirely temporary, and that’s okay; we had found common interests and made a connection for that time. It was easy, enjoyable, and beneficial (I chose an extra few titles to try based on others’ suggestions). The tone was always respectful and positive; no judgement for our preferences. At one point, one suggestion came with a caveat – the person saw my collar (I had been privileged to officiate a care home service, hence the unlikely day-off attire) and they had warned me that the book did include some ‘colourful’ language – and they wanted to make sure I wasn’t offended.

These conversations remind me of how easy it is to come together. We started with no reason to connect, and yet were able to find means to relate, to share, to laugh a few times. My visit to the book sale was made better by these folks.

So often, people are put in our paths, and we can choose to make connections with them – even for just a moment – that may be uplifting and brightening to their day. We can treat others around us how we would wish to be treated – with kindness and respect. In finding connections, we are living the life of faith, that calls us to see others as beloved as God. It’s not a means to a religious conversion - Jesus and his friends had many conversations with whomever was there, without delving into dogma and practice. Instead, they exercised a ministry of community: something we can all emulate.