Today is the last day of Easter—the Day of Pentecost.
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place …..All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (Acts 2)
On this Day of Pentecost I am traveling home from Iceland. I’ve been especially mindful today of the people from all over the world that I’ve met. My ears more often than not heard words I could not understand.
On a particularly difficult road my friend and I traveled on the way to a remote area of the Westfjords, we listened to a conversation between David Brooks and Kate Bowler about how to really know another person. They talked about how to see (and listen to people) as beloved children of God.
I’ve celebrated this day of Pentecost by trying to put what I heard them say into practice. Being away from home surrounded by people from all over the world, I’ve tried to slow myself down and ask questions and listen. Not assuming I know people’s story and allowing them time to tell me has been beyond rich.
I’ve discovered that the travel industry is a good entry into the work force. Almost all of the service portion of the industry are immigrants. Most are still learning English.
My friend sometimes needs a little assistance when we have to walk long distances. Our very kind helper in Chicago, Amine, was from Morocco. He began learning English less than a year ago, and said if we talked more slowly he could understand us better.
Speak slowly. Pause to listen.
On the Day of Pentecost, each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. (Acts 2)
Is this one way we can all understand? Is this a gift of tongues today?
Speak more slowly. Pause to listen.
Look into people’s eyes. When appropriate, a smile is a language we all understand.
House of Grace 