The other day I was pumping gas at a Mobil in Pasadena when I noticed two teenagers standing on the curb watching me pump gas. I looked at one of the teenagers who was smoking a cigarette and his friend said, "I know, he (the smoker) shouldn't be smoking near the pumps", which is something that had never crossed my mind. I was thinking to myself that he was filling his lungs with something harmful to himself. I said to the one smoking, "You shouldn't smoke since you look like a 'baller". Now, of course I had no idea if he was good at basketball, and yes, I was making an assumption, which I did believe was true, but immediately he smiled and said, "You know I can play 'ball." I did not have a basketball, but I did have a football in my car, so I reached in the car, took out the football and pointed him, to "go deep", at which point he took off running across the "empty" section of the parking lot, catching the pass in stride. His friend had decided to cover him, so he took off running also. They threw me back the football, then I threw a pass to the other teenager, then they started throwing passes back and forth in the parking lot. When they were done, they ran back over to me, handed me the football and stated in the most respectful gesture I have ever been given, "Thank you sir." I felt a little shameful that they called me sir, because it hold such an ideal of respect, I am not exactly sure why I felt like that?
In my mind I was thinking that I need to develop an organization where opportunities are created for teenagers who "hang out" at gas stations. The problem is not engaging in dialogue, that is the easy part, as I am sure most Christians engage strangers in conversation, but how to invite those "strangers" into our worlds is more difficult. I also have fear, because obviously I don't know these people and I have a wife which I of course need to consider, but I was thinking of creating an organization whereby people who may not have had opportunities are given the abilities, which have been granted to others. In honest reflection, I can say that it has not been my own "hard work" which has allowed me to participate in everything God has created, but it has a lot to do with the fact that I am part of the dominant culture. I want that to change.
2 comments:
Thanks for sharing, and thanks for playing quarterback. I think we all-to-often overlook opportunities to spark a conversation with a stranger. I'm sure your interaction with them will be remembered, and for me will serve as positive encouragement. However, it is hard for me to believe you hit 'em in stride, but never-the-less, thanks.
That's funny that I put that in there, because it must have been subconscious, you know assumed that I would hit 'em in stride. :)
Thanks for the comments, because I think that being remembered is part of living.
P.S. Big game this week, so rub some dirt on it and get in the game!
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