Talking to Strangers

As kids we are taught not to talk to strangers, but does that really apply as adults? It would seem like we all think so. But the cause of this probably isn't so much "talking to strangers" as it is the world in which we live. We are all so busy and wrapped up in our own world we can sometimes neglect the world around us.

I am guilty. In addition to the "business" of life, I am a shy person. I don't really know what to say to people I don't really know. I am horrible at remembering names --not even five minutes after someone introduces themselves, I am trying to remember their name.

Yesterday, a friend and I were taking a walk around the lake at Craighead Forest Park in Jonesboro, Ark. We passed some other joggers and walkers and a few even said hello. About a quarter of the way through we ran into two people who were fishing, said hello and continued walking. My friend commented that it looks like she caught something and I said, "I think thats just a lure," and laughed. A few seconds later the lady said something back to us about the fishing. So we stopped and we talked, not thinking anything of it.

It was just something small but as we prepared to continue walking she actually thanked us for stopping and talking with her. The conversation probably could have gone on all day. It was one of those moments that made me stop and think how something so simple as just talking to a stranger can brighten someone's day.