Later on I saw him again after doing some work and he was walking the opposite direction to when I saw him earlier. He still didn't look so great and I thought I should talk to him, the conversation went as follows:
"You ok?"
-"Alright, just out of breath. On my way to my car. I just went swimming which is pretty much the only thing I can do now... I have cancer."
"I'm sorry. ... You going to be alright ?" (with regards to making it to his car ok)
-"I hope so."
I felt terrible walking away, like there was more I could have or should have said. The man was elderly and is quite possibly terminal. I wish I asked him his name. I wish I could share a moment and tell him, "I'll remember you." But I didn't. I didn't give any sort of comfort or express any interest in even who he was as a person.
3 comments:
Keep your eyes open, maybe the Lord will give you another chance.
I think the Lord brings people like that into our lives everyday.Some of the most fascinating conversations have happened to me in that way. I never really know it when it happens, but later, sometimes within a few moments, I recognize the divine stamp of His intentionality in it. As I am going through the moment with people, I try to recognize the clue from the Holy Spirit, especially as it regards conversations with strangers.
Thanks for your comment Will. I did take to heart the encounter and I think it has had an impact. Speaking of strange encounters with strangers, Sunday a guy sat with me at Starbucks and struck up a conversation. Totally out of the blue, and I felt... kinda full of wonder at it because I feel like a terrible person to talk to a blue-collar american worker in my age group. I felt like I had nothing to connect on, but there we were.. talking for about an hour about all kinds of stuff. Work, life, religion and such. Amazing really. I hope to meet up with the guy next Sunday.
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