Names

Have you ever paused to consider what a name says?
Of course we all have considered what names say when they are ones like:
stupid
idiot
moron
dumb
etc
I'm not talking about those names.
I'm talking about YOUR name.  Yes, you. 
I'm talking about MY name.  Yes, me too. 
Ever consider what your name being said communicates to you?
Ever consider what the name of the person you are speaking to communicates to them?
Oh, I'm not talking about the meaning of names either. 
I'm simply talking about what it says. 

In my job it is expected that I know the names of my fellow co-workers.  And until now I haven't really ever considered the value of a name. 
When I call people by their name I am telling them that they:
*exist
*have worth
*hold value
*are important enough to commit to memory
*are unique and not a "cookie cutter" human

WHAT?! 
"Beth, this time you are really reaching." 
It's okay if you are thinking that. 
Maybe I am reaching.
But maybe I'm not. 

I've seen the faces of my co-workers light up when I greet them by their name. 
I've seen them pause and greet me back when they were going to blow right by me.
I've had them visit my desk and begin conversation with me and all because I used their name.

I know how much it means to me.  In fact, one of the first things that impressed me about my workplace was the intentional use of my name by my new co-workers.  Even the President and CEO have committed my name to memory and they don't need the reminder of my nameplate or badge!  :)  That's impressive and it meant a lot to me that people set out to let me know that I was more than a presence at the Front Desk but I had value, a personality, I was a person with feelings.  It still means a lot to me.  In fact, our President was walking out for lunch today and inquired about me and my comfort level at the Front Desk.  And he used my name to start off the conversation. 

Whether we admit it or not, whether we have even considered it or not we like it and we appreciate it when we are called by our name.  That is when it is spoken with respect, love, compassion, and kindness.

So.
Where do you fall in this?
Is everyone you meet up with a "there" or a "you"? 
(Hey there or Hey you)
Or do you purpose to call others by their name if you can?

I'm just sayin' that a name purposefully committed to memory and then used speaks more to that person than you may ever realize. 

Oh, and if by chance nobody ever calls you by name again I know of One who will always call you by name.  He named the stars in the sky and he named YOU as he formed you (Psalm 139).