With a combination of small
talk and bigger talk, and with remembering that this show is not just about me, I am working on my willingness
to “give” in my relationships, along with working on a genuine care about the
other person. To be realistic, I will concentrate on perhaps only one of my
relationships. I might be in for a big surprise, to find that relationship
developing beyond my wildest dreams as I develop my willingness to “give”.
A couple of years ago, I met
a headmistress of a country school where there were many children with very
demanding behaviours. She was the only person I have ever met for a brief few
minutes, who left me with an indelible memory – a memory of someone who makes
you feel significant even though you have only just met them. She was the sort
of person, whom when she went on her way, you turned your head to follow her,
because you knew that there was something special about her. I discovered from
someone who knew this headmistress, that she had cried every night for a whole
year after each difficult day of leading a primary school in her new posting in
an Australian country town. After that first year of grief, her task became
easier. She not only had stickability, but she cared about the pupils in her
care. In her conversing with me as we stood outside a coffee shop, she moved
very quickly from the small talk to a
verbal interaction, showing genuine interest in “little me”. I think I will always remember that lady and
our very brief encounter. How was it that she made me feel significant in such
a short time?
How special it would be for us to learn the skill of making others feel significant.
