Over the past several weeks I’ve been trying out a method for bringing small moments of grace into the lives of service personnel and random strangers. My short, appreciative interchanges start with “Hi!—(pause)—You having a good day?” This approach might be enjoyable for you, too. Here’s how it has worked for me….
Some response sequences
- “If “YES!”, I continue with “What’s been good about your day so far?” or “What’s made it good for you?”
- If “NO,” I use a slight redirect such as, “What would it take (or need to happen) for your day to be a good one?
- If a person is unsure or reluctant to answer, I change the verb tense to reflect good days in the past or anticipated good days in the future.
- I thank them for their service (the conversation), assuring them that they have made my day good by their presence, smile, attitude or assistance.
Additional notes
- Most people respond affirmatively to my first question. (It’s a social convention to answer positively to this query.)
- I look for the opportunity to offer a further comment or question—the person’s responses will provide the clues.
- I keep things short; no sermonizing.
- Almost all of the folks who respond to my greeting question(s) seem glad to be part of this short interaction. Several have thanked me, and a small segment immediately explained the ways/reasons in which this day was already a good one!
- Some people steered their responses toward spiritual themes—e.g., gratitude to God for each day.
- The questions’ positive tone add appreciation to the daily routines of those I meet, a necessary part of their lives that might not always be forthcoming from others.
- These short interchanges feel like a blessing.
Maybe even Good News….?
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