I work in an engineering field. Once a friend introduced me to someone and said, “He’s an extroverted engineer. He looks at your shoes when he talks.”
Henry Cloud said during his talk at Willow Creek last weekend that happy people are connectors. The opposite are those people who are detached.
We have the Disciplines of Worship and Celebration where we gather with others to praise God. But I think what Cloud meant was connecting at a different level. When we meet someone, do we connect with them? Do we listen to what they are saying? Ask them for clarification? Support them in their struggles? Rejoice with them in their blessings?
I can remember being a geek when geeks weren’t cool. I can remember not connecting with others, totally caught up in ideas. I don’t remember that there was one special moment when I said to myself, “Other people exist!” But the growing awareness of other people one day came to complete consciousness.
People would say that I’m an extrovert now. Last night at the reception for this week’s conference, I probably talked with 30 of the 50 people at the reception. But in reality, I’m still introverted. But I’ve learned to connect with others. Hopefully in a good way.
Another good self-awareness check is to watch ourselves as we interact with people. Are we focused on them, listening not only to the words, but the cues? Or are we wondering what they think about us, what we are going to say next to show how smart we are? Or worse yet, present in body but not in mind?
Faith Venture 
August 18, 2012 at 1:35 pm |
Good thought, Carl. I’ve heard that somewhere, but had forgotten it. See you next month. Then I can look at your shoes as we chat.