The Sanford Berenberg Experience: Message of they Day

Good Morning,

We live in a world with over six billion other people. It is hard to imagine that many people. Millions maybe, but not billions. Yet, in our world, we, through the use of technology, have been slowly losing the ability to connect with other people.

· We text instead of talk.

· We plug in and tune out rather than engage in a conversation.

· We find ways to avoid looking at other people for some seeming fear of having to say ‘hello’ or something terrible like that to them.

At one point in my career, I was told that one of my strong areas was saying ‘good morning’ to people. I was a bit offended when I heard that thinking that anyone could say ‘good morning’ to others. Apparently, though, that is not the case.

This morning when getting coffee, I said ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ in the same sentence, peppered with a ‘yes Ma’am’ or two. The lady barista told me how rare it was to hear those words any more.

What is happening to us when saying ‘good morning’ and ‘thank you’ are the exception and NOT the norm?

I know there are people out there who know the power of connecting with other people. I even read a true story in my latest read, ‘A Rose for Reuben’ about how connecting with another saved a life.

A Rabbi who had to work in a field to help pay his bills due to working for a small congregation used to see a stately man walk by every day. He greeted the man every day “Good Morning Herr Muller”, which in turn the gentleman responded with “Good Morning Herr Rabbiner” and raising his hat.

And so this went on for some time, until the war came. The Rabbi was eventually captured and taken away to some holding area. When lined up to find out his fate, whether to be sent to harsh work or to his death, he saw his old friend, now a German Officer, walking up the line, making the life and death decisions for each prisoner.

Taking a chance, the Rabbi said “Good Morning Herr Muller”, and out of habit, the response came “Good morning Herr Rabbiner”. Then followed the recognition, of who he was talking to. Herr Muller then helped the Rabbi by sending him to a much less dangerous prison, and ultimately, the Rabbi survived the war.

Some may call it fate, some God’s grace, but part of it was certainly connecting with someone, even with something as simple as a ritualistic “Good Morning”.

You may never hear from or see another person again, but if you do, do you want their remembrance of you to be the person who ducked and slid out of the way to avoid eye contact, or that person who smiled, opened the door for them and said ‘Good Morning”?

Do you know the names of the people you see every day? The security guard at the front desk where you work? The parking lot attendant where you park every day? Sadly, most of us don’t.

It’s not that hard, honest. In my walk to work I often walk through a hotel where I park. One lady who cleans the halls and bathrooms is there most days. I saw her name badge and simply started saying ‘Good Morning Miss Janice’. It startled her a first, but now she gives a big smile and says good morning back each time. As I said, it is not hard.

Lets practice.

Right now.

Practice by saying ‘Hello’ or ‘Good Morning’ to your PC or Cell Phone or wherever you are reading this email.

Now that you look and probably feel silly, you may realize that it wasn’t that hard. And I bet it put a smile on your face too.

Try it again, but this time, say it to a person. If you are a bit fearful of talking to others, move up to a stuffed animal or cat, and work your way up to humans.

It could save your life.

Enjoy!

Sanford Berenberg
Sanford@berenberg.net
http://www.berenberg.net

http://sanfordberenberg.blogspot.com/
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