Interesting...

As I left Chapel this past Wednesday, I was looking forward to my Junior High Boys small group meeting coming up next. The expectation of tasting chocolate chip pumpkin muffins was certainly a big factor. But I was also curious to hear what the boys thought about the chapel time. In particular, there was one nugget of truth I looked forward to sharing with them. As we got settled in, I opened up the floor for students to share their thoughts. Then a curious thing happened…

The very first student shared exactly what I wanted to share! I was blown away. Many of their comments in the past have been thoughtful, but usually I had to be the one to steer our conversation toward deeper waters. Within the topic context of hospitality, the student shared the teaching that impacted them the most:
 “Try to be interested, not just interesting.”
I was so excited (and surprised) to hear that the student shared the same takeaway I had. I quickly jumped in to expand on the rich truth the statement contains. I shared how easy it was for me to try to dominate a conversation, wanting to share my thoughts and my opinions rather than listening to others. I shared how my own pride often prevents me from listening to others in love, choosing rather to try to promote my own popularity. 

You probably quickly recognize the ironic hypocrisy of the situation. I wish I had reached the same awareness as swiftly. Near the end of my conversation-dominated monologue, I finally admitted to myself that I was not showing hospitality to my group of Junior High boys. Rather than showing interest in them, asking more questions, and listening attentively, I had put myself first in that situation. 

This entire year, the school is focusing on all of the “One Another” exhortations found in Scripture. God’s Word provides plenty of specific pictures of how to love one another. What a wonderful investment in the developing character growth of our students, and apparently our staff leaders as well! My group of boys, when given the opportunity, shared so many ways they can serve and put others first in their home, the classroom, and in their neighborhood. Let’s work together to support these acts of selfless love toward one another, and even practice a bit more of it ourselves (if the shoe fits).  

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