I recently took a trip, a mini vacay, down south. I got to visit a best friend, a new friend, and a couple of really cool cities.
On my flight back home, I sat next to a really sweet lady. We got to talking about traveling and I told her about the World Race. She was very intrigued and fascinated, asking me question after question.
Then- the honest question that I have heard so many times from other people- “Are people nice around the world?”
It’s something I’d probably be curious about too if I didn’t know the answer. I answered truthfully and genuinely- “People are absolutely wonderful.”
(My team, month 4, in Romania, with our Pastor and his family)
That’s one of my favorite things about the race, actually. Meeting nice people everywhere. People were more than just hospitable, they actually cared about us.
Something that I noticed about people around the world is that their priorities are very relationally focused. (Of course I’m not saying that Americans don’t love to be relational, I’m simply saying that often times, our priorities can be elsewhere).
A relationship is highly valued over any amount of money, success, fame, or even a schedule in most of the countries I went to.
Relationships were the most important things that people had. Mostly, people didn’t have things like we have here. Without possessions, people learn this beautiful secret: The people right in front of them are treasures.
Whether relationships are with their family, their children, their spouse, their boyfriend or girlfriend, their best friends, their coworkers, their church family, their neighbors, or even us- some strangers from another country- they absolutely made space for that relationship.
This is something that I’ve been learning a lot. Being intentional in relationships, investing into the relationships that I greatly value, and making space for those relationships to grow. I’ve been trying to practice these lifestyle habits and I’ve been so much happier since actively working at them.
Another thing that I learned is that meaningful relationships can be built so quickly with intentionality and investment and intentions of friendship. It was shocking to me how close I became with some of the people i met after only spending a month with them.
(My sweet friend Paula and I in Mozambique)
It doesn’t take long to become someone’s friend, especially if you jump in (more like cannonball in), without anything holding you back. Sometimes, lies can creep into your mind that “you’re not a people person” or “this relationship is never going to work” or “you have more important things to do than talk to this person.” Those are all things that can get in the way of something that can end up being really good. You’ll never know the outcome unless you go for it. I’m not saying that you need to go talk to the woman on the plane next to you. That’s a little weird, isn’t it? Clearly, I was never taught stranger danger.
But I’m learning a lot about the type of person I want to be.
I want to be the type of person that would rather have a conversation with the woman next to me on the plane than work on a business assignment. I want to be the type of person who chooses to comfort my friend going through a breakup rather than use my “hard earned relaxing time“ after a long work day to watch TV. I want to be the type of person who hops on a plane to visit the people that mean a lot to me.
(The plane that took me on one of my longest travel experiences. Bloivia to Romania. Good thing I love flying now. Airports- and even airplanes- feel like 2nd homes)
So, that’s what I’ve been doing lately.
And next month, I get to hop on a plane and visit my little sisters and the most adorable little boy ever, my nephew, Aiden, who is turning 3.
(I may be a little biased, but really, look at him! SOOOO cute!)
I feel so blessed to have the relationships that I do have. I want to make sure that I take good care of them.
When you invest into someone else’s life, choose to be a part of it, and also invite someone into your own life, it truly is the best gift. I am so happy that after traveling the world, I figured out this secret.
I just wanted to share the valuable lesson that I’m learning of being relational.
Sooooo, If you’re someone and I know you and you’re reading this, text me and let’s go get coffee so we can talk about life and laugh.
lovelovelove,
Mel. 🙂
