Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Candy Blogs: I have Fridays off. Today I went to water aerobics, the dentist, breakfast and the bank. At each place I was greeted cheerfully by name. (granted, the bank teller only knew my name because my account was on her screen) But as I was driving home, I was very aware that my life had some kind of impact in many different circles of my life. How did they all know my name? I admit that it felt very nice to be greeted by name.

I have an inner circle of family and friends, and several circles beyond. It’s comfortable and intimate inside that inner circle. We all need one. The world is a big, lonely place without one. We don’t usually do well outside of “community.” God made us relational. But each extending circle or level of relationship is also important. We have extended family, acquaintances, contacts. In my Creative Memories business we have a FRANK list; it stands for friends, relatives, acquaintances, neighbors and kids (people we know because of our kids). It’s a good representation of the mix of relationships in our normal life. Today I started out in my inner circle with my husband … comfortable and loving. At water aerobics, we have developed some new friendships, over the last almost two years, just by consistently being in the same place at the same time. We’ve gradually learned more about each other and enjoy a very pleasant but on the surface relationship.

At breakfast, Scott and I are welcomed enthusiastically because we’ve been going to the same restaurant for breakfast for the last five years, maybe longer. I can’t really remember when we first started going there. We’re told that we’re always friendly and kind to the staff and tell them how great our experience is there. We don’t really think about it, we’re just being, what to us is, “normal.” And we’ve been banking at our bank for more than ten years. We like them because they’re local and personal and friendly. So we’re personal and friendly when we interact with them.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

We put a physical touch to how God relates to human beings. We’re His hands and feet and mouth and hugs. We need the interaction with others, and others need the interaction with us. We are not an island. We’re part of something bigger. We need the gifts and strengths of others, and others need what we have to offer. It works both directions. Most of the time we don’t even realize the impact our life is having on others … in all the circles of our lives. God’s plan is that we build relationships so we can build the Kingdom and enjoy being “citizens” once we’re a part of it. But most of all, to enjoy being citizens of the heavenly Kingdom that will never end!

Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity.
E. H. Chapin

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