I made a new friend. This would seem to be an irrelevant event during normal times, but these days of living life in a pandemic hardly seem normal, at least not to the partial extravert residing inside of me.
I doubt anyone would guess where I made my new friend, Jackie. I met her in the grocery store parking lot. Yes, you read that correctly. I met a new friend after I went grocery shopping at my local store, like I have done for 15 years. The last 8 months, I have spent the time in the grocery store masked-up and hastily searching for the necessary items my family needs, all while trying not to get too close to anyone else. The days of standing in the local grocery store visiting with local friends whom I have randomly encountered seem like a distant memory to me. I find it very difficult to even make eye contact with another person while shopping, much less to strike up a conversation. Believe me, it is not for lack of trying on my part. I so long for human interaction, that I will try to speak to fellow shoppers, but I don’t see many who wish to reciprocate. I even say “excuse me” if I feel as if I am in someone’s way, hoping to hear a response, which usually doesn’t come. I find it sad, to be honest, and sometimes I wonder if this new anti-social dynamic is reversible.
How, you may be wondering, did I meet my new friend? I was sitting in my car, choosing a podcast to listen to on the way home, and I heard a tap on my window. It surprised and startled me a bit, but I saw an older lady at my window and I quickly rolled it down. She had seen the Baylor license plate holder on the back of my car, and wanted to ask if I had attended college at Baylor. I was happy to report that I had graduated from there many years ago, and she was happy to volunteer that her granddaughter had recently graduated from Baylor with a nursing degree. We chatted for several minutes. In that short time, I learned that my new friend had been married to a radiologist (just as I am) and he had died two years before with alzheimer’s and a cancer diagnosis that had only given him 2 weeks to remain on earth. She reflected that she was glad he had not suffered, and that he was a Christian when he died. She laughed that he had not been when he was younger, and we both agreed that we are all on a journey with different timings with regards to our faith and salvation. She had moved here to be near her daughter, who happens to be a University professor, and an atheist. She briefly touched on the struggle that she has with that latter-mentioned reality. We talked about church services and bible studies and she shared her favorite online pastor with me, and we exchanged phone numbers before parting ways.
I left feeling so encouraged, and frankly amazed at how quickly we spoke about very personal and significant topics. We texted each other and agreed to stay in touch. The next day, she texted me and wanted to meet at the parking lot again so she could share a book with me that she believed I would enjoy. I gratefully accepted her generosity and borrowed a few books from her. I look forward to meeting up with her again soon to return the books and plan to have a little something to share with her as a way to thank her.
My new friend is 80 years old, and I am in my 50’s. She was married to a radiologist and raised two children, just as I have done. We share a faith in Jesus Christ and a passion for learning about scripture. She used to be a brunette (as am I) until a few years ago, and has offered tips on how to transition to gray when I am ready. For years, one of my missions has been to encourage women who are younger than I am, as they are navigating motherhood. The bible verses in Titus 2:3-5 advises older women to teach younger women about living life in Godly ways. I have had the great honor to lead a bible study with younger moms, and I’ve been privileged to have a mother who is an excellent example of a Godly woman. Now, I believe God has placed Jackie in my life so that I have a local, older friend who wants to encourage me in my path. We can encourage each other in these very strange times.
I don’t know how Jackie had the courage to knock on a stranger’s window in the parking lot that day; I am just so glad she did. In a time when we are so isolated and homebound, it is such a sweet reminder that there are still people out there who want to be in community with others. We are not meant to live in isolation. So the next time you consider stepping out in courage to make a new friend, I hope you will take the chance. Knock on the window…you just might make a beautiful new friend.