Some of the most wonderful experiences in my life have occurred when I have given to and received friendly greetings from others.
Early in my life I was extremely shy. I had a wrong estimate of myself and others. I have learned that being friendly leads us to include people into our lives. Being friendly is a low cost, high reward experience. However, when I was younger I thought it was the opposite. Being friendly means that we recognize the value , the importance of another.
When I see people on the nearby walking trail, most people respond to a hello, because they want to be greeted. Yet, some don’t, so I just shrug and move on. I have learned that being friendly is not as big a risk as I had thought. My not speaking to someone would have a greater cost than speaking to someone and being rejected.
I have been blessed with tons of friends, simply by venturing out with an act of friendliness. I have learned that friendliness is fun!
Jesus had a mutually rich experience with the little tax collector, Zachaeus, when he acknowledged him up in the tree. What rich truths have emerged from this “by the way” connection.
Notice people ; give attention to them. It’s fun and has a high reward.
James Thomason