How many times have you entered a church, movie theater, bleachers, opera house, etc. and have encountered an empty row...empty, except for that seat on the end? I encounter it quite often and sometimes that person is me.
I'm not sure why we do that and I am sure that there are not only many reasons but there are probably some very good reasons out there. What I do know, is that seeing that person today, sitting alone in the middle of his pew, was inviting. Without saying a word, or even making eye contact with me, I felt invited to join him.
We can say so much without a single word. Do you ever wonder what you "say" to people without using words? I need to remind myself to do that more often than I do.
So your post left me wondering, did you go and sit with him? When I reflect on my own body language, I seem to be able to more readily recall the times I expressed negative body language as opposed to positive body language, especially when I'm tired. Your post is a reminder to me that we do say a lot without ever using words, especially when we encounter those we may not even know.
ReplyDeleteI had that experience on Sunday. I went to church at St. Francis Xavier, where I've never been before, and sat in the middle of a pew 2/3 towards the back of the church. By the time the liturgy had begun, a family with three little kids sat next to me on one side, and a young couple on the other. The little kids, in particular, were incredibly welcoming to me.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, this font works much better for me, too!
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