Say Hi First

"Say hi first" is possibly the best, most impactful piece of advice/training I have ever received. It is so simple to say but in real life not easy to do.

I was at a week long training event when I joined Young Life staff. Throughout the week we heard really good content but there is one presenter who cut through all the "information" and presented a three word statement encapsulating way of thinking about life and mininstry. I have tried to implement in my life, forgot about it, and then remind myself again (over and over).

"Say hi first"

"Say Hi First" is about being the one to initiate or move toward people, Everyone wants someone else to initiate toward them. It feels good when someone else says Hi to us or invites us over to dinner. We all want to be wanted. In all relationships someone has to say hi first. His encouragement to us was to be that person. He said "be the one to take the risk."

God says hi first.
He spoke everything into existence. He called Moses.
He spoke to the prophets.
He came to us in the person of Jesus.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" Romans 5:8

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us" John 1:14

Jesus says hi first.
Jesus didn't post a craigslist ad "NOW HIRING Apostles. ONLY 12 spots available, apply today" and then sit back, review applicants and set up interviews.
To Peter Andrew and Phillip all responded to "come follow me"
James and John were called by Jesus and they followed

Jesus said hi first to Zacheus while he was up in a tree.
To the woman at the well he started a whole dialogue by asking for a drink of water. To Saul the voice of Jesus called out "Saul Saul, why do you persecute me?"

These are weird times. It's harder than ever to connect with people. We don't have situations where we just "run into folks." Say hi first could help kick start some of those connections.

Maybe you could try it? Good things may come out of it.
Let me prime the pump with some practical ways to say hi first.

"Say hi first" to the folks you normally would sit near on a Sunday morning by making a phone call.
"Say hi first" by bringing fresh cut flowers, or zucchini or sourdough bread to a neighbor or friend.
"Say hi first" when you are walking by people.
"Say hi first" by texting someone that you were thinking of them and that you hope they have a great day.
"Say hi first" without expectation that it will be reciprocated.
"Say hi first" by starting a small group.
"Say hi first" to the leaders in your life. Especially the ones that initiate toward you.
"Say hi first" to people of different cultures, colors, ages and lifestyles.
"Say hi first" to those closest to you. Family and friends, even your spouse.

Please share a way you might "Say hi first" in your circumstances.

John Hackstadt

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