Chapter 12
Samuel
She’s agreed to walk with me and to...spend the day with me, I think. I don’t know what I did to convince her of that, but she’s friendly and sparkly, and she’s talking about the importance of human connection.
“Do you think that’s only for extroverts? Do you think there are people who don’t really need that?”
“I think it’s a human need in general, just maybe some people need more of it than others. The way some people seem to require more sleep or that type of thing.”
Maybe she’s right. I guess I do long for connection, but not with a lot of different people. I’m happy just being connected with my family and keeping things on a business level for almost everyone else. But the connection is part of the reason that I love the small town. It’s part of the reason that I’m doing this outreach.
“I know you understand, even if it’s not on an articulate level, the need for connection. After all, this party was your idea, if I’m not mistaken?”
“You’re not mistaken,” I say, and then I realize my words might have sounded a little short. But she doesn’t seem to be offended. She seems to not be easily offended over everything. I love that. “You don’t seem to care that I don’t always answer questions with a lot of words.”
She laughs as we reach the ballroom door and stand outside of it. I can hear the men inside talking as they set things up, and I don’t really want to be with other people right now. I want to focus on Lucy.
“I think that growing up, I struggled with that some. I got some good advice from my parents. My mom in particular told me that I needed to look at people and assume the best of them. Sure, they might disappoint me with the worst, but I need to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, all the time. That’s what I want done to me, right? And the golden rule is to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. If I want people to look at me and think the best, then that’s what I need to do as I interact with the world.”
I don’t really like the idea that she’s just thinking the best of me. Except, I love what that says about her. “I think that explains why you’re so bubbly and happy all the time. Maybe if we think the best about other people, it gives us more positive things to focus on, and we’re not thinking the negative things all the time.”
“It definitely changes your brain when you focus on the good.”
I know this is something I should do, and I also know that I’ve always wanted to spend time around people who make me a better person. Usually I’m focused on the business aspects, people who can teach me things, people who can help me navigate the business world better and show me more and better ways to make money, but I also like the idea of working on myself and becoming a better person. And being with Lucy is obviously a way to have that happen.
“Are you going to tell me what you have planned?” I’m talking about the party. It’s not really a huge change of subject. I just need some time to think. Plus, I love the way she talks, and the excitement that lights up her eyes, and the way she gets excited and happy. She just seems to be so animated, and it’s a beautiful thing to see.
“Sure. I’d love to. I haven’t been responsible for a whole lot of the planning in the house, since I was told that yesterday’s party had to happen before I was allowed in.”
“I hope that wasn’t a problem. That order didn’t come from me.”
“It’s not a problem at all. I’m just coordinating things. I was able to talk to your cook on the telephone, and while I’m in charge of the menu, I allowed all of that up to her. Just asking her to cook things that have always been popular. And things that she knows will work well at a party. It seemed kind of silly for me to try to micromanage that when she has all the experience.”
“I’m impressed. That’s how I try to handle my business, but I found that a lot of people, when they’re given a little bit of power, they let it go to their head. They start thinking that they know better than everyone else around them, and they’re unwilling to take advice or suggestions. It can be frustrating. But you seem to be the opposite, naturally wanting the input of others. And acknowledging their expertise.” It’s a humility that is uncommon in today’s world, and it’s impressive to me.
“Well, thank you, I guess I just... Maybe it’s part of that connection we were talking about. Where it makes more sense to me to connect to people than it does to try to compete with them.”
“Ouch.” She hit me where it hurts. I’m definitely competitive.
“Sorry?” she says, smiling up at me and looking so happy, so amused, that I find myself wanting to smile.
“You know, every time I’m around you, you make me want to smile.”
I didn’t mean to admit that, but I think my comment makes her happy.
“That’s a good thing. Smiling is good. I don’t have the data in front of me again, but I do know that smiling is good for your health. Even the Bible says that ‘a merry heart doeth good like a medicine.’”
“There’s a lot of wisdom in the Bible,” I say, appreciating the fact that she can quote it. “Let’s go this way. I’ll show you where our guests usually gather when we entertain inside and out.”