(OK I know I just posted yesterday but it's Thanksgiving and I've got a lot to be thankful for so I think that warrants a post ;))
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!! I know we should give thanks every day and not just on Thanksgiving, but as it is the day of giving thanks, I found myself being extra aware of everything I've been gifted with this year. It's impossible to count my blessings because there are just too many.
I'm thankful for my family who ALWAYS supports and loves me. I'm thankful for friends (new and old!) who have shown me so much care and have showered me with sweet words. I'm thankful for my WISE mentors/older peeps who have given me advice and encouragement (and have cooked for me/bought me food :D). I'm thankful for my UT admission and the opportunity I have to attend the bestest school everrr!! I'm thankful for my passions. I'm thankful for God's provision and protection. And this year, I'm thankful for love and the opportunities I get to love others.
Something I've learned in college is that there are opportunities to love EVERYWHERE!! And there are NUMEROUS ways to love. During the past 3 (ish) months I've spent at UT, I have been so fortunate to be surrounded by people who love so well. People have welcomed me with open arms, taken the time to get to know me, showed concern for me when I was struggling with school, accepted my weirdness (hehe), laughed with me, made sure I was doing ok when I got homesick, and much MUCH more. I guess that's how I have learned to love others, by watching others give of themselves to love those around them.
For me, one of the most important things I've learned in college is how I can love others by doing what I love, writing. (Never underestimate the power of words). But it's not just the actual writing, but also the process. When I say process, what I mean is interviewing and talking to other people in order to build your story. I've learned that sometimes, all people need is someone who will listen to them. And sometimes the best way to love that person, is just to listen.
A few weeks ago, while story-seeking for Austin Street Humans, I met and had a conversation with a man named David. Initially, I was just going to say hello and leave it at that because he was in line to get breakfast, and I wanted to make sure he could get the food he needed. But he kept telling me to follow him and wait for him as he got his food. I could tell he really wanted someone to talk to. The first things that came out of his mouth were sorrows and laments. He had just lost his job a day ago and was feeling very hopeless. He told me of all his other struggles he was currently going through and even expressed his doubt and anger at God. He asked me many "why?" questions and the look in his eyes told me he was hoping I had an answer. To be completely honest, I also struggled to find the answers. There were lots of things I could've told him, but as someone living a comfortable life, I felt I had no right to offer this man any advice.
But I felt that as someone who has experienced God's love, I needed to share it with David. So I answered his questions, all while praying that God would take over and give me the right words to say. Even now, I'm not sure if I completely answered any of his questions or gave him any helpful advice. All I hope is that he saw God's love and that I was able to convey just how much God cares for him.
At some point in the conversation, David asked me why I was willing to put myself in this situation, in a potentially dangerous situation, talking to him, surrounded by potentially dangerous people. This question caught me off guard but I realized what a good question this was. Both for me and him. I appreciated this question because it reminded me why I was really doing this. I answered this question by saying this was my way of showing Jesus' love to those around me. If I didn't do it, who would?
At the end of our conversation, David gave me a hug. Even though it was a hug from someone I barely knew, it meant the world to me. It let me know that I had loved this man the best I could.
For me, the best interviews are the ones that end up becoming more of a conversation rather than a Q & A session. When you've accomplished that, you know that you have offered the interviewee something much more meaningful than a feature in an article. I've found that interviews have become a tool to love. Jesus showed us gracious love even when we didn't (and still don't) deserve it. If we have already received this love, why do we find it ok to just keep it to ourselves?
This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for the love I have been blessed with. But now, it's time to bless others by sharing Jesus' love with them. <3
~jo