This is day…5 in Boston. It’s been a blur. Before I arrived for the trip I had met one of my classmates online, one of my professors online, I’ve known one professor for a couple of years, and I’ve known one professor for about 13 years. So out of 37, I knew 2. I’m not going to tell you where I fall in the birth order and I’m certainly not going to admit how I compare to the professors in age, but it has been an amazing trip.
I have met one student who reminded me what it means to really listen and engage with others. I have met another student who reminded me of the power of friendliness and kindness. I have had a roommate who has reminded me what it’s like to step out and just have a little fun. The people on our trip range from the goofball to the quietly curious, from the uncertain to the confident, and from 19 to mid-60s.
I think something that we often forget is how to learn, not just from the official “teacher” of the day, but from the people we do life with. I will only get to do life with these college students, grad students, and professors for a few more days, but each of their stories has taught me patients, kindness, compassion, fervor, simplicity, curiosity, contentment, passion…
Take the time to get to know the people around you. You don’t have to become best friends, but hear their story and take time to connect. Listen to what God might teach you through their lives. It can only make the teacher of the day’s lesson more impactful. Follow Jesus’ example in John 4, notice the people around you and take the time to have a conversation.
John-David M. Culbertson 