They were a group of five middle-aged women. Friends. Meeting at the downtown hotel lobby bar after work, maybe. Having drinks and appetizers. Boisterous without being obnoxious. And in my line of sight when I looked up from my laptop.
I noticed one got up and walked about 10 feet away to take a picture. I usually offer to take the picture so that they can all be in the photo of the moment. I was about to get up when a guy got off his bar stool and loudly offered to shoot the photo. Then he took about 15 or so more. Loudly having them pose in different ways.
He was so loud, I couldn’t help but watch for the next half-hour as he gradually moved in on their table. Soon he pulled up a chair at the high top, bought a round of drinks, and established himself in the group—sort of. He talked. I could hear him from 30 feet away. The women were still paying attention to their friends, but quieter now.
I hate it when my self-awareness kicks in with the realization that I’ve talked too much. I wonder how often do we get caught up in a situation where we are simply talking at someone rather than conversing? Isn’t that a caricature of a Christian? Do we really want to be that guy?
Not I.
Faith Venture 
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