That Must Be Really Important To You

Not everyone is the organised type.

You know the type. Those who have schedules, timetables, plans and charts that more or less shape their lives from the time they wake out of their slumber at the precise time they scheduled to the timed moment at which they will go to sleep. You call them up and ask them if they’re available and they can tell you what appointment they have which means they’re not available but they will be available next in two days and seventeen minutes time. (You think that’s a slight exaggeration, but you should see my friend, Tim, some time.)

No, not everyone is that organised or obsessed with being organised. But in our own way there are things that we base our lives around. It doesn’t take long to see what that focus is.

The two of you will be sitting next to each other in the canteen. The other person is usually the quiet type, so it was good of them to have lunch with you. Small talk takes place and most of that is you making what you think are funny observations. The other person politely gives the right responses without total commitment. You ask a question or two and they provide brief amiable answers.

You notice that they refer to something and you gently wonder why. Before long without much prodding they start talking rather more animatedly and engagingly in what is clearly important to them. After a few more encouraging nods and responses on your part, the once shy and introverted colleague dominates the conversation with their passion for the subject. Now whenever they see you, there’s a smile of acknowledgement that’s a lot more warmer and friendly than previously.

Whatever is important to you can be discovered with the patient and considerate quest to understand you. You don’t watch that much TV, you’re not that active when it comes to social media, reading is something that you’ve never really got into … but start talking about animals and protected species and all of a sudden the interest and fascination floods out from you. You don’t know much about much, but you know about that.

You’re not the sporty type and you yawn whenever anyone starts a conversation about politics. Yet as soon as someone mentions classic movies, you’re in your element. You can recall titles, actors and actresses and even the year certain ones came out – your favourites. Finding out someone shares the same one as you is like getting your much desired Christmas present early.

There no point in talking about office politics to you because you’re not that interested. When folks are talking about what they watched last night, it leaves you mildly apathetic. As soon as they notice the photo of your spouse and children placed as your screensaver and dotted around your office, you cannot help yourself. You’ll talk about them until the cows come home.

It’s interesting to discover, then, those who are that way animated, fascinated, engaging and enthused when it comes to talking about someone that changed their life. When they talk about someone that radically altered a life that previously was heading for the misery of mediocrity. When as much as family, leisure activities, social issues and other pursuits can be touched on, what really gets them passionate and excited is to talk of someone who gives them hope, renewed sense of life, purpose and focus.

That must be really important to them. And you don’t need to be the organised type to work that out.

((Photo by Iulia Mihailov on Unsplash))

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden