It’s all about people.
I think that might be my mission statement in life. I am passionate about connecting with people, whether in the community, the church, or online! One person I have connected with — and adore — is Jenni Catron. As brand new bloggers last year, we managed to find each other as we both began talking about an upcoming conference we were both going to attend. Then, at Q (some of the most transformational days I’ve ever experienced), we met face to face. Jenni and I have slowly been building a cyber friendship that once in awhile spills over into the real world, like at Catalyst 08 or when David and I stopped in to visit her church in Nashville. Yesterday Jenni wrote this post on being a “regular,” and I immediately asked to reprint it here. It captures a lot of my heart…and hers.
“I Love Being a Regular”
Every Tuesday morning Pete and I have our weekly meeting at the same restaurant. This has been our routine for well over 2 years, so it’s safe to say we’ve become “regulars”.
Here’s why I like being “a regular”:
- Everybody knows my name… I know you’re singing the song from Cheers right about now, but it’s really true.
- I’m comfortable. I can relax because I know what to expect.
- I order “the usual” and the wait staff know what “the usual” is for me. (In case you are curious, it’s a bowl of oatmeal with fresh strawberries and brown sugar and of course a cup of English Breakfast tea.)
- I know the other regulars and they know me. There is a fun cast of characters that share our usual Tuesday morning routine… we’ve developed our own little community.
Why does this matter so much to me?
Belonging. I feel like I belong. I have a place. There are people who know me and miss me when I’m not there.
It’s amazing how such a core need can manifest itself in something as simple as where I eat breakfast.
It makes me wonder what I can do to help the people around me become “regulars”? What can I do to help my staff feel that they belong? That they contribute? That they are needed? That they are valued?
Being “a regular” gives me a glimpse of the power of community. It’s the unique connection that we share as humans to love, appreciate and encourage one another.
So, who in your life do you need to make feel like “a regular”?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
As always, Marla – I connected with this post. Maybe connection is my mission in life too. My pastor and I were talking about you a few weeks ago, that you definitely have a grip on that “one thing” you were meant to do. Your passion for community and connection come through beautifully clear! Good thoughts here about making others feel like a regular. Something we all long for we probably find best by giving to others.
this is a great share, you do community really well and no one knows it better than your friends. we all applaud and admire you. and even more you challenge me to connect better– thanks!
Thank you, Jody! And I have to admit, we got pretty Norman Rockwell-ian decorating the tree last night!
Dianne, thanks for pointing that out. I don’t know that I would have said that connecting and community were my “one thing” if someone had asked me, and yet you are probably right. It is what I will spend my time, money and energy on. It is what I will drop everything for. I really should have seen that for myself, but God used you today to clarify a few thoughts in my mind. Thanks!
My smallgroup – some of whom you know through the blogosphere. They’ve been integral in helping me settle back and find my place as a Christian in my city of birth and trying to find my feet in a growing church I don’t feel entirely comfortable in and struggle with every Sunday but love being part of at the same time.
My Aberdeen church family too. they are fabulous and I miss them dearly!
Yes Marla, you are truly a connector of people. I love that about you. I’ve been so placed by our new friendship this year!