I was in an elevator the other day and it was extremely awkward, I almost busted out laughing in the middle of the 2nd and 3rd floors. Have you ever noticed how an elevator ride has the potential of going many different directions?
Sometimes there is total awkward silence. You know those moments, when no one will even dare look at each other, much less, speak a kind word.
Then there are those moments when someone says something so stupid, that you don’t know whether or not you should engage.
And of course, there are those times when it is just a natural, positive, enjoyable short conversation.
What is that makes the difference? Why such extreme differences from one elevator ride to the next?
It’s all about the baggage that people are living with.
Some have so much baggage that they cannot and will not engage with a total stranger. Others have baggage of fear, hurt, neglect, abuse, betrayal, low self-esteem and low self-image that prevents them from having meaningful conversations with others.
But in those moments when conversations flows freely and there is a pleasant exchange everyone is better because of it.
The word of the day is adapt. You have to learn to adapt to your surroundings and to the people you encounter. Not everyone is going to love you immediately. Shocking I know! I couldn’t believe it either! Who wouldn’t love me? Okay, let’s just keep moving right on past that thought.
Philippians 4:12-13 “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Learn to be content. Learn to adapt to your circumstances, in order to have a greater impact as a witness for Christ. Learn to make your life better one word, one moment, one day at a time.