Tonight I was shopping at Kohl’s, finishing up what I’m getting Pam for Christmas. As I got into a checkout line, I recognized the fellow at the front, who was just finishing checking out. He was a United Brethren minister in another town. I saw him, but he didn’t see me, and we didn’t speak.

Do you ever wonder about people you encounter? You know–what’s their line of work? were they athletic in their younger days? did they have a happy childhood? did they serve in the military? are they rich or poor or struggling? I do, more and more. Particularly of older people. I wonder what they were like in their prime. And I wonder if, when I’m “old,” if people will have any curiosity about or interest in the life I lived.

Anyway, this minister seemed entirely ordinary. You wouldn’t know he was a minister. The checkout girl, and the people in line behind him, had no idea that he was a leader, that he had been through the ringer as a pastor, that he had experienced thrilling days but also some of the very toughest of days. That he counseled youngsters getting married, and comforted people who were grieving, and earned the appreciation and gratitude of these people. All of this packed into one ordinary guy buying clothes.

A multitude of stories lurk just beneath the surface of everyone we meet. Everyone, in one way or another, has led an interesting life–some more exotic or successful than others, but all interesting in their own way. And it’s nice when someone takes an actual interest in them.