People Matter!

Most of us have heard the old saying that people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. One thing I have learned in life and in ministry is that people must be a priority. Today we were looking for a set of mattresses for my son. Like most people, we shopped around a bit before we made a purchase. We went to three different stores - a notable retail store and two locally owned stores. In the notable retail store, no one ever asked us if we needed help or had any questions. In one of the local stores, one of the employees offered help if we needed it, but he seemed very preoccupied with something else he was doing. When we did have questions, he kept looking back at his project and was very short with his answers. In the third store, we were met warmly by a gentleman who looked us in the eyes, shook our hands, and introduced himself. Not only did we find what we needed (even though we could have spent less money elsewhere), he even offered free delivery. He showed us the product for which we were looking, but he showed us something else as well...he cared! One thing at which I work hard is remembering people's names. Here are a just few other things I've learned about taking care of people: 1) Listen with your heart not just your ears, 2) Do not be fake, 3) "Kindness costs you nothing" - Dr. Randy Valimont, 4) Everyone deserves to be valued, and 5) God cares about people and so should we! The best wisdom I can give is this - When it comes to people, do the simple things that make them feel important and loved. People matter!