don't talk to me

I've noticed that we've become champions of gathering around one another and remaining generally disinterested in what the others are doing, or what the others might say....

I just went to the gas station and it was almost full. I got my spot and did the normal gas getting excercises. I opened the gas door, unscrewed the cap turned around to the pump, inserted my card incorrectly, stared at the diagram for 5 minutes while scratching my head, and eventually began watching the digits increse hoping they wouldn't go any higher than $20.

$19.20 - that's great. I've never spent 20 or more dollars on gasoline for my new car. I hope to keep that streak going. Anyways, as I was filling up the tank, i looked over, and noticed that there was a guy using the back side of the same pump that I was using. Our cars were parked in similar positions, pumps in the tanks, hands in the pocket, staring off in the same direction pretending to not notice that the place was teeming with other people. Silly isn't it. I didn't say a word to that guy, and he didn't say a word to me...just getting gas. I wanted to talk to him, not because i was interested in his life at that moment, but because i all of a sudden noticed that nobody ever talkes to anyone else at the gas station. I could understand if it were a public bathroom...believe me the last thing i am interested in is talking to someone while trying to take the Browns to the Superbowl (if you know what i mean). Where was I...oh yeah...so what's the deal with that? What are we all so afraid of.

I notice the same thing when I go to the gym (which is less and less these days). We are all there, wearing the same outfits, participating in the same activities, and have the same objectives in mind. We all have at least those things in common, but it would be improper gym ettiquite to strike up random conversations. Doesn't make sense to me...even though i do the same thing. I guess I would like to strike up conversations with a few of the ladies, but that's not gonna happen. Point is...when did we get so good at ignoring each other? We have set up huge potentials for communinty (like the gym) that nobody takes advantage of. What a wonderful opportunity to begin building relationships. It could go so much further than, "hey can you spot me," or "hey would rub some oil on my back in the girls locker room." (okay that never happens).

I wonder what would happen if church was like that...

I wonder if it already is...