For those of you who know me I am a pretty simple guy. Not really into birthdays, etc. However, today I received perhaps the most memorable card and gift in my memory bank.
It was a Christmas card! Now hang with me. I tend to look at everything through the lens of the local church. Why will this birthday gift be forever etched in my mind?
First of all, it was a very simple gift. Just a card along with a gift card to Starbucks. Remember OJ's trial? You do not remember ten points from the prosecution. But you do remember the 'glove.' Simple, just can't beat simple.
Secondly, it was totally unexpected. First of all, did not expect a card. But a Christmas card? Totally unexpected.
Third. It was a concrete gift. A gift card for Starbucks.
Fourth. It came from a guy who I have known for sometime. What he wrote meant a lot to me because he is credible. When he said, "By the way-I look forward to every Sunday and consider it a privilege and blessing to be part of what's happening here at New Hope." Because of friendship, his credibility, I know he is not just blowing smoke.
Fifth. There was some emotion involved. I mean it was creative, it took some time, and he has listened to previous comments I have made regarding birthdays and other special days. And that in itself means a lot to me.
Sixth. He acted based on some of the stories he has heard me tell. Stories are powerful. Hey, it was a Christmas card for a reason (but that's another story), and he did get me a Starbuck's gift card.
Interesting. All six also come from the book Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die
. A great book about ideas and how other things survive.
Now let's bring it home to New Hope. I want to engage in conversation about the experience people have when they come to New Hope. Why? Because it ought to be memorable. Just like my birthday experience.