Live Like a Local

One of my desires for this trip was to live like a local. We picked lodging outside the tourist area. We cook each day. We hike into town to the market. We hike into town to take our recycling. I’ve started seeing the same shopkeepers again and again. I’ve explored and learned the quickest routes.

Then the craziest thing happened. An Italian couple stopped and asked me for directions. Their English was broken, my Italian even worse. But I was able to show them the path to their destination. I was able to say “this way” and be one helpful point in their journey.

I often feel that way with P23 Retreat, the nonprofit we started to serve other bereaved parents. I’ve had to learn a lot about the landscape of nonprofits, often fumbling through my own undeveloped language and being a newbie on the scene. But I keep growing and showing up and pointing the way to those that are grieving. I don’t define their experience or the destination. I just meet people along the path and try to say “there’s the next step on the way.” One point of connection. Perhaps a signpost or an encouraging word. One helpful gesture can make a world of difference to someone who’s struggling to find their way.

Who can you encourage today? In the busyness of life, I hope we don’t miss unexpected opportunities to connect with those we encounter.