Surrounded by People and Still Alone

We come from all over the world, sometimes alone, sometimes with families in tow. We come to a place of sun and fun so we can leave all our worldly cares behind. We sit next to each other at the pool, play volleyball on the beach together, and take excursions with each other but there’s nary an introduction. We’re strangers sharing the same space.

Mexico was beautiful and peaceful. It was a great time spent with family. I didn’t think about work or the problems waiting for me back home. I got to spend each morning with my thoughts, a good book and an excellent cup of coffee. I ate great food (often too much of it) and relaxed in the pool to my heart’s content. What I didn’t get was a sense of connection with my fellow guests. We were, by and large, ships passing in the night.

I didn’t go on this vacation expecting to make any new friends so I was surprised when these feelings appeared. I’m the last person who would start up a conversation with a complete stranger, especially one encountered 2500 miles from home. Still, I was saddened by feelings of isolation even though I was surrounded by hundreds of people all day, every day for an entire week. Could God be speaking to me, telling me I was missing opportunities to connect and learn about people from other states and countries? I’m still sorting that one out.

I can tell you this, even though I didn’t feel connected with my fellow guests, I did develop a connection with those who served us during our trip – a connection of gratitude. Many hard working, friendly people staffed the resort where we stayed. They made mistakes sometimes but, overall, they did a fantastic job attending to our needs in our room, the restaurants, poolside and especially in the Explorer’s Club where Jack spent many hours doing all the things he loves to do. I felt great joy in passing out extra gratuities to the Explorer’s Club girls, our morning buffet hostess, our housekeepers, and the coffee shop staff on the last day of our stay. They deserved it, every one of them.

You know, I guess one of us did succeed in making some connections during this family vacation. Little Jack didn’t just head off to the Explorer’s Club to sit by himself and play video games. He interacted with the other kids and just played – played to his heart’s content with a bunch of new friends. Doesn’t matter that he can’t remember any of their names. He enjoyed himself – that’s what matters.

I guess we can all take a lesson from Jack. Childlike faith – no fear of rejection, no fear of intrusion, no fear that he won’t understand the language. No fear, just love, period.

We’ll be heading back in early 2014, God willing. I’ll have a second chance to connect and witness to a whole new audience. I can’t wait.

God bless,

Todd Marsha