Over the years, I have really come to appreciate the good ole' Gideons. I appreciate being able to find a Bible in the hotel when I am travelling. With companies going out of their way to provide soo many modern 'creature' comforts, I am sometimes the most pleased with the simple things - a genuine smile, glass/bottle of water, a cookie, a Bible in the room. That is not to say I do not appreciate many of the other benefits of travel, because I do! However, without the foundational things, like good customer service in place, the other things are often overshadowed.
When I travel to the UK one thing I appreciate the most is being able to understand most everyone. I say most everyone because some of the accents combined with the speed with which they speak can make it a challenge, but not nearly as challenging as when I am in China or parts of Europe. With that said, in all of the places I travel there is one thing that is consistent whether I understand them (or they me) or not - a GENUINE smile simply makes things better.
When traveling (domestic and international) I have the opportunity to interact with people from varied cultures, experiences and backgrounds. Some of my most memorable experiences are with taxi drivers. Generally when I begin a conversation with them, they light up and begin to use whatever means to communicate with me. Sometimes due to language barriers that means pointing to things and using select words, for those interesed in the conversation we somehow make it work.
Due to the time change I found myself unable to sleep and so to the drawers I began to rumage - bingo a Gideons International Bible (NIV). So to Proverbs 20 I went when verse 6 caugth my attention: "Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?" That led to me pulling out my ipad (a creature comfort that can be helpful) and opening my Glo Bible app so I could read multiple versions. I stopped and contemplated the Message bible (MSG) verbiage of Proverbs 20:6 - "Lots of people claim to be loyal and loving, but where on earth can you find one?"
I think the Message version resonnated with me because I am currently on the road. So I sat, starred at the ceiling, the clock (0200), back to the ceiling and thought - Wow, how simple yet profound. I read it as a challenge and it caused me to reflect on what I say about myself and compare that to how I live. Do I live my life in a loyal and loving way? Of course, I would like to think so but I am sure at times my human nature wins out and I act the complete opposite. When I reflect further, I am reminded how life goes alot smoother when I treat other with love and kindness. In spite of how they may have treated me, this takes us back to my blog on choices.
As I wrap my travel up in the UK, I will remember to genuinely smile at others (the foundation), be loyal, kind and loving. If people do not respond in kind, I will not take it personal because it is usually something that has nothing to do with me which is bringing them down.
The challenge is for each and everyone one of us to be accountable for our actions/reactions and be the person(s) who is/are loyal and loving. Because without us doing it, the question is a good one - "...but where on earth can you find one?"
Blessings,
-d
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