We’re on our way home today, but I had to take a minute and reflect on the last few days in particular. Michelle and I first spent some time at the North American Christian Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio. Then, after speaking in the Louisville area at Shelby Christian Church on the weekend, we headed for Nashville, Tennessee. Actually we were in a great little town called, Franklin.

It takes about two seconds in Tennessee before you hear someone say, “Y’all”. As in, “How y’all doin?” or “When’r y’all fixin’ to leave?”

But more than the language being unique, the atmosphere and attitudes are unique as well. There is, among all the people we interacted with, a very gentle and respectful way people connect with others. I love it.

In SoCal we wouldn’t have to say “Y’all”, but we could use some of these words or phrases more often:

Thank you. You’re welcome. Please. Yes mam or yes sir.

It wouldn’t hurt us to slow down just enough to stop and open the door for a stranger or help someone get their groceries into their car. We could take the 20 seconds necessary to compliment a child or encourage a stranger.

People here in Tennessee, for the most part, are just nice to each other.

Seems like that’s not too much to ask.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

One more thing. They have a thing here called RAIN! It makes everything green. Weird!!