Daryl Wood's Blog

My phone buzzed at the grocery check out this morning and when I glanced at it, there was the beautiful smiling face of my nephew’s two month old daughter. I was the only customer and I knew the cashier (small towns are like that) so I quickly held up my phone to her. We ooohed and aaahed over the baby’s cuteness and then chattered a bit before I left the store.

Driving home I wondered if that was what would be called Small Talk. It has been common for me to engage with people in all sorts of brief conversations about life and whatever is in front of us. A lot of this could easily be identified as Small Talk, just bits of information passed back and forth without any real ‘weight’ or even significance. I believe it connects us with each other and is a way to say “I see you” even if there is an element of superficiality to it.

I know people, and sometimes I am one of them, that abhors that kind of Small Talk. My introverted friends cringe when they are with me and I inquire about someone’s family member or check in for an update with someone I pass on my walk. Lately I’ve held back a lot more as I keep my thoughts and feelings inside.

So I let my mind wander as I thought about this morning’s conversation. It may look like Small Talk on the surface but in that moment it was actually Big Talk. The only way I can define Big Talk is when whatever it is touches deep into my heart. I’ve had a closer connection with this nephew for a few years now and since Doug’s passing, he has been consistent at reaching out to support me. We live many miles apart so seeing each other is not an option. Through the miracle of text messaging and occasional phone calls he brings me great joy, comfort and love. When I hear from him, I am uplifted and reminded that since we have a history, our roots are stronger than even the kindest of strangers.

So on days like today when I don’t want to talk to or talk at or any form of talk, this Small Talk became a very Big Talk for me. Just like the Grinch, my heart grew bigger and melted into a puddle of gratitude. And that’s what Big Talk does for me.