cheers

I think the sitcom "cheers" had it right. Sometimes we really do want to go where everybody knows your name.

Actually sometimes we would settle for anyone knowing our name. In this fast paced world we live in (actually we create it), it seems like life is a lot more impersonal. Everyone keeps to themselves and it comes off rude and un-caring.

The other day, I went into the gym (I even have a callous to prove I am working out), the guy at the counter said "good morning Gary". I thought wow, this guy has a good memory. Then I wondered if he was somewhat of a fruit. After I got rid of that negative thought, I realized that this guy was being personal and it was a nice touch (no, he didn't physically touch me).

Later the same day, I went and got a haircut. This girl cut my hair before but it has been a few months. Each time I go, it seems like a different girl cuts it. When I sat down, she asked are we still cutting it short in front and keeping it long in the back (can you say mullet? - I am totally kidding). She described it perfectly. I thought, so what, she remembers my haircut style. Then she asked how the church was going and went on to talk about details I told her about last time she cut my hair. Once again I was impressed (it didn't make me tip her more).

C3 tries to be a personal church where we call everyone by first name. We are constantly getting new people so we keep it personal by asking everyone to wear a name tag. It might be cheating but somehow it just feels good to call someone and be called by first name. They don't know if you would've remembered it or not...

My point: do your best to have personal relationships with people. When people talk to you, try to remember something / anything about that conversation and bring it up the next time you talk. It makes them feel really good and you come off like you care (even if you don't).

Make it personal because "making your way in the world today takes everything you got. Taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot. Wouldn't you like to get away. Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name....? (have fun getting that song out of your head!!!)