A few days ago, my mother got an advertisement in the mail from a bank that said, "My checks take selfies!" This was just a really cheesy way of saying that, with this bank, you can just take pictures of your checks and send them in to deposit them.
Today I decided to take a break from sitting on the couch and working on the computer by taking a walk to the bank to deposit a check (a gift from a supporter). There was a steady stream of cars going through the bank’s drive-through, but when I walked through the door there were no costumers inside. Three bank teller heads popped up from behind the desk with big smiles and a hearty “GOOD MORNING!” as if they had not seen a single soul all day even though it was 2 in the afternoon. Obviously, they were hungry for human interaction. I came up and handed over the check. While one of the ladies took care of my deposit, the gentleman started making some comments/jokes about the improved music playing in the bank. I just laughed as if I knew what he was talking about. He then asked if I were a student. I explained that I had graduated last November. “Congratulations!” they all said. At this point the woman was finished with my transaction, but the man then asked me what was next for me now that I was done with school. My answer was probably the last thing he had expected. “I am headed to Malawi, Africa in February to serve with a mission team there for two years.” There were many “WoWs” and a few questions. Feeling a little awkward, I answered the questions, wished them a good day, and left.
I think that instead of trying to find ways to “save time” by eliminating the need to step out of our homes or cars, we need to be making time to step out of our little world and into others’. My interaction with the bankers was not very significant, but maybe I could have challenged them to think about the millions of refugees without hope of education or opportunities. Maybe I could have brought to their knowledge the farmers of Africa working by hand and struggling to feed their families. Maybe I could have asked them to consider the millions who have never heard the name of Jesus, or asked them what the name meant to them. They certainly did not have much of anything else to do. Perhaps they are even now just sitting in the bank trying to figure out why a young girl with would up and leave for Malawi.
The first and easiest way to reach others, is to meet them. Put down the phone-computer-nook-camera-ipad thing and go somewhere. Park the car and walk in.
Maybe next time I get a check, I will see those bankers again, and God will give me courage and wisdom to speak more with them. I encourage all of you to do the same.