Greeting...

I was out walking the streets of Washington DC and thought about an old Proverb that says there are 3 kinds of people; those that make things happen, those who watch what happens, and those that wonder what just happened?

I was thinking this because I wondered how we influence others by our actions.  Specifically, I mean how do you greet strangers walking on the street?  Do you say hello first, do you say nothing, or do you even respond if they say something to you first?  Are you one of those that have ear buds in listening to a personal MP3 player?  Do you walk around checking your phone for messages?  Or do you walk around looking for opportunities?

Luke ^5-6"When you enter a home, greet the family, 'Peace.'  If your greeting is received, then it's a good place to stay.  But if it's not received, take it back and get out.  Don't impose yourself.

Don’t you feel good when someone speaks to you, holds a door for you, or says “Have a nice day” when they leave an elevator?  I know it makes my day more pleasant to know that there are people out there that still care for others.  So are you one of those that make things happen, those who watch what happens, and those that wonder what just happened?

I remember when we moved from South Florida to South Louisiana where the people were the friendliest I had ever met.  They would greet you and ask “How y’all are?”  These folks would actually mean it.  They made you feel very special.

How do you think Jesus walked about?  I know he did not have any personal electronic devices to depend on.  He walked about looking for opportunities.  He greeted those on the road first.

Luke 24: ^13-16That same day two of them were walking to the village Emmaus, about seven miles out of Jerusalem.  They were deep in conversation, going over all these things that had happened.  In the middle of their talk and questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them.  But they were not able to recognize who he was.  ^17-18He asked, "What's this you're discussing so intently as you walk along?"

So these men who were in a deep conversation did not see an opportunity to speak out first.  But Jesus spoke up and ended up befriending these men.  They fed him and gave him a place to rest. 

The next time you walk down the street and see a stranger coming toward you, at least smile and say Hello.  The next time you open a door and see someone following, stop and hold the door, say Hello or when someone gets off the elevator ahead of you, say Have a Nice Day.  You never know how they will act, but I can say this, you will feel better.

Luke 24:32 Back and forth they talked.  "Didn't we feel on fire as he conversed with us on the road, as he opened up the Scriptures for us?"

Have a Nice Day!