I used to work for Cornell University for a dozen or so years, mostly back in the '80's. My first job there was in the admissions office, interviewing prospective students (and their parents). I remember how challenging it could sometimes be carry on a thirty minute interview/conversation. Not everyone who came along was easy to relate to. Occasionally there was conflict between parent and child. Some were awkward or shy, uncomfortable or didn't know what questions to ask. That meant that I had to pretty much always be prepared to lead, guide, take charge of the conversation, so that we did not sit there for ten minutes looking at our feet. I learned to carry on a conversation with almost anyone.
I was thinking about that today, as I walked up the sidewalk toward the front door of a house where I was going to visit a couple I did not know, had not met. He was, for whatever reason, on the 'home visitation list.' I called and they agreed that I could come. In the end, they were very appreciative. In fact, they felt like they had somehow 'fallen through the cracks of the church' during the past year.
It was an easy, cordial, fascinating conversation about church, family, illness, community. He struggles with late onset degenerative MS, a disease for which there is no medication or cure.
During my Cornell years, I learned many valuable skills; most of them were great preparation for the ministry. One was learning to carry on a conversation by asking key questions that allow people to talk about themselves. Most people don't have any trouble doing that.
Occasionally, I've even had to resort to that myself!
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