People are People

I think one of the things I am learning here is that people are people.  It might seem obvious, but I'm learning that before saying what I think, I need to listen and understand the other person.  I've been finding that in conversations with people I don't need to give my opinion on what I think the other person should do, or on their lifestyle, but that I need to listen and ask questions.  I think I quickly assume where the other person is at and what they need to hear, when I need to take time to understand them and to see their struggle.  What I'm finding is that after that I don't actually need to say anything.

When I came to France, I noticed that they do things differently here.  It makes sense really, being a different country and all.  I saw that how they do youth groups here or even how they play ultimate here is different.  My thoughts tended to be that they should actually be doing this instead (because this is the way I'm used to it and that's better).  Not thinking of course that these people know the needs of their youth and have been doing this ministry for half of my life or more.  (This is not to say that new suggestions aren't useful and good, but I think I need to first become acquainted with how things work and why before giving suggestions.)

My séjour in France has so far involved interacting on a regular basis with people between the ages of 6-80ish.  It's interesting because no matter the age, people are people.  Just because they're young or old doesn't make them so different from me.  Today, I had lunch with the Franciscan sisters, most of whom are old since this house is for "retired" sisters.  There was, however, one sister there in her early thirties and I was struck by how she interacted with the other sisters and even how the other sisters interacted with me.  It's like age doesn't matter, or is irrelevant because we're all people.

I also volunteered at the "homeless shelter" here in Rodez today.  In talking to these people in difficult situations, I'm starting to understand them, starting to see them as people, people who need to be shown love and care because some of them don't have anyone.  And instead of seeing the "sketchy" looking man on the street in fear, to see them as a person, just like me or you.

So, I'm learning to humble myself and get off my high-horse of thinking that I know best and start listening.