Through the Waters
About this blog
Through the Waters is the blog of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Christian vocation ministries. Because the ministry of Christian vocation affirms the need for all baptized Christians – including Presbyterians - to identify and claim their call to discipleship in each decision and life choice, this blog is designed to serve as a resource for youth and young adults, as well as those in ministry with them, to assist the Holy Spirit in God’s movement in this journey through the waters. Take some time to read and think about your own responses to the questions posed here. For additional resources, we suggest that you visit our website.
Recent posts
- Living in the Light
- Living Thanks
- Footprints in Our Lives
- Growing Older, Growing Wiser
- Holy Listening
Categories
- Musings (9)
- Youth (5)
- Young Adults (4)
- View all categories →
Archives
Strangers in Our Midst
It was only as I began walking down the aisle of the full airplane for a cross-country flight that I realized I had been assigned a middle seat. Normally, I might not mind but this was a long leg of my journey and I was tired. All I really wanted to do was stick in my earbuds and take a nap. As I located my seat, though, it was clear that I would be lucky to be able to do either.
In addition to a man seated to my right, a young mother and her 15 month old boy sat to my left. Come to find out, the rest of her family, her husband and two other young children were two rows up. The family had already been flying for 22 hours by the time they had gotten on this flight – the last one before reaching their final destination of Chicago. They live in New Zealand and were back in the U.S. visiting relatives and in that three and a half hour trip 30,000 feet above land, I had an encounter with strangers that I will not soon forget. In between the diaper changes, snacks, and finger games, that young woman and I talked about our lives, our shared experiences, and some of our hopes and beliefs.
I thought about that experience and that family again this week while reflecting on the season of Advent. It may seem a little strange but these days as we wait for the birth of Christ as I thought about the many encounters we have with strangers - strangers who make an impact on our lives and for whom we, too, might make a difference.
The Christmas story is full of encounters with strangers. I often wonder what it would have been like to be in Bethlehem at the time that Mary and Joseph travelled to that city, finding themselves surrounded by strangers, taken in by a stranger, and then visited by strangers. But even more than that, the amazing love of that baby who entered the world as a stranger but who was, clearly, so much more than that.
As I continue to have encounters with strangers, no matter the impact of the meeting, I can’t help but think about the effect we can have on each other and the witness we can be to that great event so many years ago that makes such a difference in our daily lives. While we may not have three and a half hours and a toddler to get to know each other, our lives can demonstrate the very reason that this Advent and Christmas season are so holy.
How have you demonstrated your beliefs and faith with a stranger?
How have you welcomed a stranger in your midst?
What are some ways your faith impacts your relationships?
How will the renewed joy in Christ’s birth make a difference in your life in the new year?
- Posted at 4:17 p.m.
-
- Tweet