I like people and I like to engage them in conversation. I enjoy talking to neighbors, meeting new people, engaging store workers or waiters and waitresses. I ask questions – lots of them. I have had friends question me, “You talk to everyone, don’t you?” I do. But too often they say it like I have some kind of disease. Or like I am bothering people…perhaps sometimes I am. 

Yes, I have embarrassed my wife and my children more than once. But I tell myself God loves people, and He wants to talk to them, even those estranged from Him. He created every human being so that He could commune with them and encounter them in relationship. 

There is so much negativity on social media, but there are a lot of people who are looking for, waiting for a moment of connection. All you have to do sometimes is just smile at them. That smile can lead to a few words which may lead to an amazing conversation. I was waiting in line for my Chinese take-out order and began talking to a gentleman in the queue with me. Unbelieveably, he grew up in the very same area I did. I was on a bus in Santa Monica, CA headed to the airport and struck up a conversation with the guy standing in front of me. He knew and actually lived with family friends of ours in Pennsylvania! These connections are like little gifts, for the other of course, but also for us.

I joke with people, sometimes too much. My mouth gets into gear before my brain. I told my dentist once that he has his hands in my mouth and my wallet all at the same time. I had another very young dentist tell me I needed a crown. Immediately, flying out of my mouth was the question, “Have you ever done one?” Not the best question to ask of a trained professional.

The other day I noticed a truck driver delivering fuel to a local gas station. After my purchase, I came face-to-face with the driver entering the store and I made the comment, “Passing gas today I see.” To which he replied, “Why yes I am, Steve Prokopchak.” Yikes, he knew me! Fortunately, we had a good history and he enjoyed my joke. 

One evening Mary and I were on a date night. We were at a restaurant, and we asked if we could pray for our waitress when we said the blessing over our food. That waitress hung around us all evening. We couldn’t chase her away, but that’s okay; we realized we were there for her and she needed to talk to someone. 

People are God’s greatest love. He sent His Son for each life on this earth. If He loves them and desires to speak to them, so can we. We can bring them joy even if it’s only for a few minutes in their day. We can speak a word of encouragement. We can be a positive highlight in that moment. And, we can sow seeds of affirmation – letting them know their value. They may forget the conversation, but they won’t forget how you took the time to talk to them and how that felt for them.

Love God by loving who He loves!