When I began work at my first parish, Athens Baptist Church in Athens, WV, I had the greatest pastoral mentor a young pastor could have: Rev. Tom Goldston (a retired pastor who was a member of Athens Baptist, had been the pastor of Athens Baptist, and who still loved Athens Baptist). The man absolutely loved being a pastor, the love he had for his vocation was contagious. I learned lots from just listening and watching this man, but the one thing that still sticks with me is his constant waving.
While I was in Athens Old Tom (his moniker) discovered he had some heart complications that required him to walk several laps around town every day. Athens was a small town (about 400 people), it didn't take long to walk a lap around town. While out walking Old Tom would wave at every single car that passed by. After a few weeks I noticed that every single car that passed Old Tom started waving back and before long when they would see Old Tom at the pharmacy, or the Biscuit World (more on this place later), or the bank or gas station they would start conversing with him.
Why this story?
One of the things I find lacking within the Minneapolis-St. Paul biking community is a lack of cohesion. My proposal: adapting Old Tom's practice - saying hello to every biker I encounter.
I tried this the other morning and here are my results.
Approximately 123 cyclists encountered.
Approximately 123 'Good Mornings' delivered.
Definite 9 positive responses, meaning 'Good Morning' reciprocated.
I think this is a good beginning.
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