At Least You Tried.
Last week I stopped by a local restaurant to place a take-out order. As soon as I walked in, I spotted the Alpha Server.
You know the one I mean: there were any number of waiters or waitresses flitting around the place, and any number of cooks behind the counter, but the Alpha Server stood out. In my case, she was the one who greeted me as I walked in. She seemed to be at every table all at once. She told me to step up to the counter and assured she’d be with me in just a moment to take my order.
I knew I was going to like the Alpha Server.
She finished with her table and rushed over to me. “What can I get for ya, hon?”
I placed my order. She asked for a name. I told her “Danny.” She exclaimed, “Oh, wonderful! That’s an easy one to spell! So many people give me names too hard to spell.”
And then I watched as she proceeded to carefully write my name on the ticket:
J – A – M – I – E.
So close. Yet so far away.
But you know what? I didn’t mind. Because I was wearing a mask and I’m sure “Danny” can sound a lot like “Jamie” when you’re trying to yell through cotton.
Because Alpha Server was so dang intentional about learning my name and using my name…no fewer than six times in the next few minutes I was in her restaurant.
Because she was trying to make a connection with a customer, and even if her accuracy wasn’t on the money, she succeeded in that connection.
Because nothing is normal in our new world and it seems like everyone is suspicious of everyone and if Alpha Server wants to call me an incorrect name from a correct relational posture, I’m totally okay with that.
Take the risk today. Enthusiastically attempt a connection with someone, even if you deliver it somewhat imperfectly. You might be surprised at the payoff.
