Harold Keller / L’Observateur / October 11, 2000

The greetings you get from people can either lift or break your spirit for that day. The reverse of this is that your greeting to other people candetermine the attitude they will have as they go through the day.

I often say that you can tell the character and spirit of an organization, business, church, etc. by the reception you receive – that first contact. I’msure you are familiar with the saying – you never get a second chance to make a first impression. I’m aware that there are exceptions to every rule.I have been encouraged many times by people. In the past few weeks, I’veexperienced people sharing joy and encouragement to me, which motivated me to have good days.

The first incident was two weeks ago. As I entered Weber’s Supermarket inReserve, a cashier, Liz Louque, noticed me and said, “Hi, Mr. Keller! You stilllike Raisinettes?” Puzzled, I answered, “Yes, but how did you know?” She replied, “I read your articles every week and I remembered you said that every time you feel like eating Raisinettes, you stop at St. Martin’sPharmacy in LaPlace and Mr. St. Martin gives you a bag.” (I smiled as Ithought of the article and the fact that she remembered the Raisinettes.)”Let me buy you a bag!” she said, and she did.

A bag of Raisinettes! Not much, you might think, but the spirit and thought about blessing me with something I like was a much bigger blessing than the cost. Thanks again, Liz!The week after that, when entering the First Baptist Church in LaPlace to visit the new pastor, Danny Taylor, two ladies who were cleaning up greeted me. They both had big smiles, a warm welcome and a spirit that could onlybelong to someone who had a relationship with Jesus! The two ladies, Wanda Baker and Alice Cayold, were employed by Fredrick’s Janitorial Service. Theirboss is Fred Parker, who is also employed by St. Charles Catholic High School.Just as the two ladies, Fred is a seemingly happy person and a hard worker.

When I go to the school, Fred is as happy as anyone there and has fooled me over the years. It’s hard to tell if he works for St. Charles, or if St. Charlesworks for him.

The four people I mentioned in this article have something in common. Theyseem to enjoy what they do and encourage other people by their attitudes and actions. That’s a gift from God! I hope they never lose it.

HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group.

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