My husband and I share a small home office. Every day, I hear him in meeting after meeting. He is often connecting with people on a screen whom he has never met. So, typically the conversations start with some small talk. The hot weather in Texas or our not-so-hot football team are a couple of the usual subjects.
As I sit behind him (usually with my headphones in), I think, “I am so glad I don’t have his job.” But this isn’t just a work thing. I’ve seen his small talk in action at the store, on a plane and even while pumping gas.
Well, after 24 years of marriage, the small talk bug has spread to me, too.
Granted, small talk can feel insignificant. But I am learning that small talk doesn’t have to stay small. In fact, God may have some big moments hidden in disguise.
Case in point: Recently, some friends and I had the opportunity to visit the Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C.. There were several floors to cover and limited time, so we got straight to it.
A few of us lingered on one particular floor while the others moved on to the next exhibit. We passed a desk, where an older Jewish man was seated. He worked for the museum, but we weren’t quite sure what he did.
So, we made small talk.
It turned out that he was actually a rabbi, commissioned by the museum. He talked to us about the Torah and various traditions surrounding it. He then surprised us by offering us a bookmark with our names written in Hebrew. We jumped at the chance.
One by one, he asked us our names and gave us the Hebrew meaning behind it. We were blown away how the meaning of our names connected to our lives in such a tangible way.
In the middle of a museum, we felt the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit surrounding us. It was a powerful moment … that started with small talk.
I wonder how many people walked by this older gentleman without much thought. Or maybe they started talking to him, and wanted to get to the next thing, so they didn’t linger too long. I’m not casting any stones … because that is usually how I am. Thankfully, this time was different.
Believe it or not, the Bible has stories of people engaging in conversations that they didn’t have to engage in, and ending up with extraordinary results.
Remember when Joseph (the colorful coat one) was in prison? In Genesis 40, he noticed that two of his cellmates looked upset – “’Why do you look so worried today?’ he asked them.” (Verse 7)
Let’s be honest … How many times do we avoid asking someone that, in fear of a lengthy response? Or maybe we just don’t care? Not only that, Joseph had his own issues. He could have just said “Chin up boys. I don’t know why you look worried but I already know I’ve been through worse”, and ended the conversation there.
Joseph’s small question led to a big answer. To make a long story short – that question led to his release from prison and promotion to the palace.
Here’s another example for you: in Luke 24, two of Jesus’ followers were walking to Emmaus. Jesus joined them on their journey – BUT THEY DIDN’T KNOW IT WAS JESUS. They welcomed this “stranger” into their conversation. The more they talked with Him, the more they realized that this wasn’t just any man. Jesus eventually revealed Himself and then was gone.
Can you imagine if they had dismissed Jesus and kept talking amongst themselves? Instead, they had a 7 mile journey (on foot) filled with rich conversation with the risen Messiah.
Don’t worry my fellow introverts … I’m not saying we need to talk to every stranger, or engage in conversation with all of the staff at the Bible museum. But when you can, lean in. Sure, you may just end up venting with another frustrated fan about their sports team. Or you may be walking into a God ordained conversation that could change the course of your life.
God has a way of multiplying small things.
~ Anu
