The Mark of a Stranger

You're shopping at the grocery store, you and a stranger go for the grapes at the same time. You smile, acknowledge each other, maybe say something quick, then you both move on. A few minutes later you're in the baking isle and guess who's there? The Grape Stranger. You can't help but give that knowing smile. Of course, this continues throughout your shopping experience, at the milk, the chicken and if you're lucky the checkout line too.

Well, yesterday the Grape Stranger was Joe. And we actually met in the candy isle. I was buying stuff for our Relief Society activity and as it turns out he was getting stuff for the Boy Scouts. He spoke up first, we had both been there for nearly five minutes grabbing various bags, putting them back, a conversation was inevitable. 

The first question of course "You have any other kids at home?" No, this is the first… It's a boy, we're really excited… Yeah, James. "Oh, that's great! Good strong biblical. Like mine, Joseph." Yes we wanted a good classic name. The conversation continues, we talk about the candy, how much we don't like Safeway, how we both live in Queen Anne. And of course where we are from originally. Now, when this question comes up, I get a slight feeling of dread. Why? Once your say "I grew up in Salt Lake" I automatically feel like the person connects me to The Mormons. I shouldn't dread this question, it should be a great opportunity to bring up the Church, but I do. He didn't say anything, just asked if the weather was better there, sarcastically of course. The conversation ended with dreams of sunshine and summer and I moved on with the shopping. It was only a few seconds before Joe turns the corner and he's also for looking pasta sauce. 

The first question this time, well after "Hey, stop following me around the store", "So, do you belong to The Church?" 

"Yes, I do!" 

"Well, that's great. I love Mormons. I belong to the Catholic Church on top of Queen Anne, but I just love the Mormons and their emphasis on families. I don't have any kids myself, but you know what else? I really hope Romney wins" 

"Wow! You don't hear that everyday from someone born and raised in Seattle."

"Oh, I can't stand the socialism around here!" 

"Same here!"

"I dated a Mormon girl for quite awhile actually. It didn't work out, but we're still friends. She's married now with a big family. Anyway, I just love the Mormons" 

"That is so good to hear, thank you" 

"Yes, well, you take good care of James, the world needs more good people like that" 

At this point someone walks down the isle and he finishes off the conversation with a loud "And this world needs more Mitt Romney too!" 

"Yes it does!" 

So we part and I finish my shopping. I did spy him once more, greeting an old friend this time. Just by my quick observance of this interaction, I form my final opinion: Joe is a genuinely good guy and a very nice fellow. I smile. We meet each other once more dropping our carts off. He offers to help me out, I get this offer all the time with my ever protruding belly. I thank him, but assure him I've got it. 

I walked out feeling quite happy. Joe made my day. Monday had been a bit rough, Joe gave me a reason to smile. And our ward mission goal is to have a gospel conversation with someone every week. Well, neither Taylor or I have managed this, but I'm counting this one! Even if he was the one to bring up the church, I still talked to someone about the church! Success :) 

Why this experience impacted me as much as it did, I still don't really know. But, this is my small tribute to Joe for making me smile, for letting me accomplish a goal and for giving me renewed hope. Sometimes I feel like we are all alone in believing, preaching and living eternal Truth. But Joe reminded me that we aren't. Thanks Joe, I hope we run into each other again.

Also, check out this great ad by the Catholic Church
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=D9vQt6IXXaM&hd