As I walked to make a delivery for the office supply store I
manage, I met an acquaintance returning from lunch. Did I ask her what
self-help book she was reading, how her marriage was progressing, or what new
class she’d enrolled in to stretch her brain? No. I wondered how she managed with such a small
purse.
And. I learned about clutter, neck aches, and
self-discipline. Better yet, I showed this lady that I cared about her choices,
which added a dimension to our relationship.
I used to despise small talk. “Why would anyone want to
stand in the parking lot of Junk Mart and blather for forty-five minutes about Jr’s
basketball game, or the new cheesecake recipe Aunt Launa Lee brought to the
family reunion? How shallow.”
As I matured, the Lord woke me from my dream world, where
everyone talks about spiritual truths, scientific achievements, and the Nobel
Peace Prize winner. He revealed to me
that solid, lasting relationships are built one drop at a time.
Sometimes it’s okay to not talk about major issues, if
talking about minor subjects makes a person feel comfortable and appreciated. Then,
as we get to know each other better, we open up to weightier matters.
It’s not shallow. It’s just wading into the deeper waters a
bit at a time, so we don’t suffer a cerebral overload the first ten minutes we
meet someone. Sometimes it’s okay to not talk about major issues, if
talking about minor subjects makes a person feel comfortable and appreciated. Then,
as we get to know each other better, we open up to weightier matters.
So… what kind of purse do you carry? If you're a man, do you carry your wallet in your front or back pocket?
I carry a small backpack purse. It leaves my hands free to carry other things and my shoulders do not hurt!
ReplyDeleteBut Martha, how do you fit pens, tissues, two sets of keys, and gum for the grandkids in one of those Barbie-sized purses?
ReplyDeleteI never thought about a purse being a good conversation starter :) I have a bigger purse I carry when I think my might need all my "necessities" and one I use if I just want my drivers license.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I love the visuals you use with your blog!
Oh, Barb, how clever you are! Thanks for the tip.
ReplyDeleteI carry a hobo purse.
ReplyDeleteThis is good ... small talk with a purpose.
ReplyDeleteAnd I carry a cute yellow bag that my daughter gave me for Christmas. Not a ton in it though.
I'm not a big fan of small chit-chat, but sometimes it does lead to better things. My purse is jammed w/ too much, but I need it all!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a big fan of small chit-chat, but sometimes it does lead to better things. My purse is jammed w/ too much, but I need it all!
ReplyDeleteI learned a long time ago that I'm good with chit-chat... and can do so with just about anyone.
ReplyDeleteI think of it as 'warm chatter'.... those 30 second interludes that allow me to connect to someone else... my heart 'cockles' are usually happy after such an encounter.
I love small purses... had a really tiny one once made from a scrap of chair upholstery. It could only hold a small wallet and my lipstick. It made my shoulders very happy!
PS... My shoulders often ask me when I'm returning to a smaller purse... so I did this Spring.
ReplyDeleteRight now, I carry a Vera purse. I need the room for my date book, my wallet(w/check book), my digital camera, and other necessities. I like this purse because it has pockets on the inside for things that would go to the bottom if the pockets weren't there.
ReplyDeleteI tried a smaller purse but I felt I needed all I carry.
You mean my everyday luggage?
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I carry a BIG bag. It could be called a tote bag. How else could I cart my two pairs of glasses, cell phone, keys of every description, wallet, and a dozen other necessities? Oh, and let's not forget the latest addition...my Kindle.
Blessings,
Susan :)
No telling how many people have been led to the Lord sometime after beginning the opening conversation with some kind of small talk, like "Where are you from?" Good post with lots of good wisdom!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your recent visit to Family Fountain.