Learning lessons along the way

By choice as well as circumstance, I ended up selecting Greyhound as my transportation to Kissimmee. I was a little skeptical, because I have heard that buses and bus stations are overflowing with sketchy people. I was nervous but excited for the ride. The adventurous side of me likes trying new things, while the voice of reason in me wants to avoid being stabbed.

But what does “sketchy” mean anyway? Before the bus trip, I thought I knew.

I met a man who had just gotten out of jail for manslaughter, a gay man going to live closer to his fiancé, two women addicted to drugs who can’t seem to find quality men, a woman who was taking care of her deployed sisters child and a woman going across country in hopes of rekindling a relationship, to name just a few.

In theory, these people seem “sketchy”. If I had known I would be sitting next to a murderer for 12 hours, I probably would have reconsidered my travel plans. However, I’m glad I didn’t know. I learned a lot about myself and how I can be quick to write off someone because of that individual’s personality or reputation.

But these were some of the nicest and most giving people I have ever met. They can start a conversation out of anything, and they were always offering to share their snacks.

When you’re out and about, or even at work or school, talk to someone you don’t think you’ll get along with or someone you’ve written off. God loves them incredibly, and so should you.

Ashley Mims, a student at Midwestern State University, is serving in Florida with Go Now Missions as a part of ROCK (Reaching Orlando with Compassion and Kindness).