Today (the 24th that is), was my birthday.  To those who ask this question, yes, having your birthday right before Christmas is not usually a winning combination.  Every year, a large majority forget that it’s my birthday, even though I see many of them at the Christmas Eve church service, etc.  I don’t say this for sympathy or anything like that, not looking for that at all.

Even though I know and understand that people are very very busy this time of year, I still wish to be remembered and appreciated.  I didn’t hear from a few people that I would have loved to today, whether that is me being selfish or whatever, I don’t know, but I felt kind of down that they didn’t call.  I wanted to feel remembered and appreciated for being me on my “special” day.

How many times do the people in our congregations or staff members or neighbors feel the same way our churches or work places?  People have a want to be remembered and appreciated.  They want to be noticed and feel like they mean something in our busy lives and schedules.  I know people who have written thank you notes for when the Pastor asked how their son was, and he remembered the son’s name.  The parents felt special at that moment and felt cared for, not just another tithe check.  I’m not saying that we are pandering or playing towards people, but trying to come in on a personal caring level.

What steps are we taking to ensure the best possible relational interaction as the church?  What can we do to help people not fall through the cracks?