This life's not about me...

I'm not sure where this feeling came from. I'm not sure when it started. I think part of it came from the book I'm reading (Jesus For President) and part of it came from watching the World Cup. I've recently became conscious of this desire to know people. I want to experience cultures that aren't exactly American. I want to experience what people's lives are like under the surface of "Hello, how are you?".

I walked into an Exxon to buy a drink for the road after filling up with gas (reluctantly) and the guy behind the counter commented on my Brazil soccer jersey I was wearing.
He said something like, "Are you from Brazil?"
I laughed and said, "No, I'm just a fan of their soccer team."
"Oh no no," he replied, "I am from Argentina, I do not like Brazil." He smiled and laughed as we began to talk about the happenings in the World Cup that day.

I instantly wanted to just sit down and talk with this guy about his life. How he came to be in America if he was from Argentina. I don't know where this urge has come from, but I like it.

I don't know if I'm ready to up and fly to another country tomorrow. I don't think that's what I'm being called to do. I think what is happening is that I'm slowly becoming aware of people around me and less aware of myself. I'm not saying it's bad to be self-aware. Obviously, I want to be aware of who I am, what I'm doing, whether or not what I'm doing is hurting someone or bothering someone, but what I mean is that I'm becoming less concerned with me and more concerned with others.

This is something I've been learning a lot about lately. I am by no means saying I have it down yet... I definitely don't. I hope I keep getting better. I think the only way to get better is to quiet the voice inside that is so concerned with me and to listen more to the voices of people around. Not to brush off a "Hello, how are you?" but to engage and really ask the question and really hear the answer.

As I paid for my drink and pack of gum, we talked a little more about the upcoming games and who we thought was going to win. We both agreed we'd love to see an Argentina vs. Brazil final. I took my receipt and bid him a good night. I really hope he has a good night.