Greeting One Another: More than Words Part 3
In the last two posts, we discussed the privilege we have of “one another”. Though following the Biblical commands for many of those “one anothers” may take work and time, one that takes very little of either, is greeting. Greeting one another.
Several years ago, I heard a story about people who wanted to learn more about each other’s languages. A Tibetan boy taught the English speakers the greeting for “hello”.
“Tashi deley,” he said, “means recognizing the greatness in another person”. “Tashi Deley. I honor the greatness in you.”
Next the English speaker shared the word, “hello”.
The boy asked, “What does it mean? Does it mean to honor the greatness in one another?”
The English speaker replied, “No, it doesn’t. It just means ‘hello’”.
We are all valuable because we are image bearers of God, yet how does our casual greeting-or ignoring someone-communicate that truth? “Another” may not look like us, dress like us, or have the same cultural background, or world view. Their speech and language may be different from ours.
In Max Lucado’s book, How Happiness Happens, he writes “We have been created equal, but have not been created alike.” The apostle Paul says, “Accept one another, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (Romans 15:7)
Accept doesn’t mean agree or coexist. It means welcome.
Lucado reminds us “Happiness happens when you show other people they matter”. Tashei delay—I honor that they matter.
In Romans 16:1–16, Paul lists by name, people and groups he wants his readers to greet for him in Rome. Paul gives the ultimate model of greeting one another-of welcoming and accepting- not by an exclusive “who’s’ who” clique, but a variety–close friends, slaves, royals, and church members. And he concludes with an encouragement for them to greet each other with a holy kiss. This idea may seem foreign to most of you, unless you are a “hugger” or come from an ethnic background like mine where kissing and greeting is a normal expression. A kiss on each cheek was a customary way of greeting in that culture. Yes, it’s close and personal—face to face and hard to be rude in that situation, isn’t it? It’s welcoming and accepting–and honoring.
We’re not about to kiss a cashier or a stranger, but the model is there. Honor another’s greatness. How can we do that practically?
Instead of playing a game or texting a person on a phone screen who is not present, can we choose to interact with those seated in the room with us? Acknowledge they are there-not invisible. Can you enter a room and think “There you are”, not “Here am I” and greet someone with a smile? Or introduce yourself to another in a group and ask their name? Or that cashier. Say their name. You may be the very person to pull someone up who’s having a bad day. My experience is each time I do that, I pull myself up and happiness happens because I have joy.
Will you take the challenge? Share how it went with us.
The Conversation
I’m sure I can be “off-putting” at times, but mama taught me to “Welcome the world” with a warm smile and greeting. You may not be in the best mood, the person you are welcoming may not be, but by joyfully welcoming them to share a moment with you, you are both transformed in the moment. As some of you may have noticed, I’m not much for hand-shaking; saving that for formal or business meetings. If I know you, you know what’s coming… a big ol’ Mr. Jim hug, that’s what. 🙂 God’s blessings Ms. Marilyn. Have so enjoyed this series to date ma’am.
What a wise Mamma you had. I agree transformation takes place the moment we smile, even if it’s not returned. Thanks for posting a comment. Marilyn
I love sharing smiles. There are times when the smile we share may be the only interaction a person has for that day. I especially love to greet people. The first greeting of the day can change the tone for everyone. 🙂 Sharing God’s love with others is a blessing.
Melissa, when worked in health care, I realized that often I was the rare smile of the day and for the elderly, holding their hand was loving touch. I was the one who was blessed. Thanks for sharing. Marilyn
“Happiness happens when you show other people they matter.” What a great quote and what a positive message your post is!
Thank you, Marilyn. I enjoyed reading your post.
Thank you Connie.
I love this! It makes me wish our word hello meant more! Although that means we must take initiative and put thought and love behind our actions instead of just simply saying a simple greeting of hello, doesn’t it? I will definitely think about how I can accept this challenge this week!
Yes, Emily, even though our word “just” means hello, we can take it to another level. I wonder if the impression we make will multiply? Wouldn’t it be nice if we could know? Marilyn
I’m grateful my parents taught me by example to greet others warmly. However, your post encourages me to take that process to a higher level by remembering the verse you included, Marilyn. “Accept one another, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (Romans 15:7). Excellent post!
Thanks Jeannie. Like you I was always taught to make eye contact and greet people. My grandmother always called it respect. Marilyn
On this cloudy and rainy day, your post is a ray of sunshine. I’m reserved and shy by nature, but in recent years, I’ve made much more of an effort to try to let people know that I think they are important. This can be a smile, a greeting, a short conversation to let them know you really see them and not just the “How are you?” that we toss at people and don’t wait (or even expect) an answer. Tashi deley–I like that! Thanks for your uplifting message,
You are welcome, Katherine. A simple hello changes clouds to sunshine for sure! Marilyn
I love this, Marilyn! Being intentional about how we interact with others is a kingdom changer and I appreciate the ideas you share here. Blessings, friend!
Kingdom changer-what a great way to look at our intentionality as more than an obligation. Thank you, Cathy.
Thank you for your post, Marilyn! We always seem to need to be reminded to “love the ones we’re with.” That song lyric popped into my head after reflecting on your words.
I smiled with those lyrics and heard the song in my head. Great application, Stephanie. Thanks for sharing. Marilyn
What a great way to greet a person with “I honor the greatness in you.” Wow, wouldn’t that get someone’s attention and make their day? This post changes the way the welcome mat looks now!
Yes it would, Barbara. And if we remembered it, the concept would extend to more than a greeting, but to attitudes, actions, and words. Thanks for joining the conversation. Marilyn
I enjoyed your post so much that I just read it a second time. Honor the greatness and worth of others. Welcome and accept them. Let them know they matter. I hope to do better with this. Thank you!
Marilyn, my husband is so good about remembering the waitstaff’s name and using it throughout our meal when we are at a restaurant. I barely remember what I just ordered, let alone the waitress’ or waiter’s name, but I’ve noticed it really makes a difference, and you can often see it on the person’s face and demeanor. Thanks for the reminder to say, “there you are,” instead of “here I am.” That’s brilliant, Marilyn, and we should all be that cognizant of others!