Unexpected Arrival

My doorbell rang a couple of nights ago and I paused, thinking “Who could this be? Should I answer it?”  I didn’t like that I’d had that reaction. Have you noticed that in this age of electronic communication, cell phones and caller i.d. we no longer get the thrill of the unknown visitor or caller?  I miss the days when I had to know the sound of someone’s voice at the other end of the line or when I was happily surprised by a friend on my doorstep.  I have driven by so many of my friend’s houses thinking “I’d love to stop and say hi, but better not. I didn’t call and let them know.” We never used to do that. We would just stop in, knowing our friend would be happy to see us, even if the dishes weren’t done or the laundry was being folded in the living room.
 
I wonder what this era of advance notice is teaching us? How much are we missing out on because of it?  Is this carrying over to other areas of our lives? If we are unsure of answering the phone because we don’t know who it is, are we stopping ourselves from talking with someone new because we aren’t completely sure who they will turn out to be? If we are unwilling to open the door without knowing in advance who it is, what doors remain closed to us because we are too scared to peek through them?
 
On the other end of that phone, or other side of the door, who are we not there for that might need us? Who is sitting in their chair wishing someone would just stop by? Who is wondering if anyone recognizes the sound of their voice anymore? Sometimes people need to be coaxed into talking with someone, visiting with someone, or taking a risk and dancing with someone – and the times they need the coaxing are the times they really need a friend. And so often we can “feel” this need in them, but in today’s world these moments often slip by because we think we have to prepare people for our arrival instead of simply arriving when we are needed.
 
Let’s make a pledge to encourage unannounced visits, unplanned conversations, and unpredicted moments. We are lead to places when we are supposed arrive – and that gentle nudge in us is announcement enough.
 
(Who was the unexpected ringer of my doorbell? A dear friend I had been hoping to see but didn’t want to bother because of his busy schedule. How fortuitous!)
 
 Melissa
 
 
P.S. Yes, I have to put a disclaimer on this - never ever open the door for someone you don't know!! Be safe!