I’m at a transition point again. Leaving one group that I’ve been a part of for many years and looking for where I belong next. One of the most important things for me is to feel connected and a part of something bigger than myself. But that’s also really intimidating.
So I’ve dipped my toe into a few places. It hasn’t been as bad as I thought it would be. Because all it takes is a simple “hello” to make one feel seen and welcome. Have you ever noticed the way someone lights up because someone smiled at them or said “Hello”? It’s amazing what one five-letter word can do for a person’s self worth.
My daughter is a nanny to a couple of really sweet girls. Every now and then they FaceTime me. It is so much fun because as soon as they see my face they start waving. I wave back and it’s just a hello- hello, back-and-forth. It’s probably one of the high points of my day because they are so excited to be seen and recognized and I get to be a part of their joy.
These days, we all seem to be walking around with a lot of stress and maybe even fear. There are so many perceived disagreements between us about country, faith, and even how to celebrate the holidays. I have discovered that merely smiling at someone in the grocery store usually elicits a smile back and in that brief moment of connection, each of us seem to say, we aren’t alone. I see you and you matter. It’s so simple to make someone’s day when you think about it.
I think about those times when I’ve seen a friend across the parking lot and run to them for a hug. The hug is the Hello. It says everything about how much we cherish one another. It is so childlike in its simplicity. And so very good for the soul.
I challenge you in the weeks ahead to just smile and say hello as you walk around. Take a moment at the checkout to ask how they are doing and to thank them for what they are doing. Take a risk and say hello to someone that you normally wouldn’t have a conversation with. The best relationships all began with.”hello.” Who knows what next relationship is waiting for you beyond that simple five-letter word. 
maggiemarcum 