“Why haven’t you been writing?”

Those were the words that greeted me when I ran into a friend this morning as we wandered the aisles of the liquor store. I was there to purchase the makings for Pop’s Eggnog, a family Christmas tradition that started in the 1930s. I’m not sure what my friend was looking for, but whatever it was, I hope he found it.

We don’t know each other well, and yet we have connected well on things that matter to both of us. God, America (no, those two words don’t go together), relationships, meaningful work, and I suspect a whole host of other things we haven’t had a chance to talk about yet.

“Why haven’t you been writing?”

Not “Hello.” or, “Hi Molly.” Some might have taken offense, but for me, it was one of the best greetings I could receive. He is a new reader of my work, and what his greeting told me is that he looks forward to reading what I share, and notices when I don’t.

We are all here to show up, and give what we have to offer. When we do, people notice, and if we’re lucky, people notice when we don’t too.

So, my friend, thank you for showing up at the liquor store this morning and noticing. This one’s for you!