HELLO

He said “Hi, Tamra”.

“Do you remember me from math class?”

Here I am in Costco on Monday, looking at refrigerated dog food, when my thoughts of “Will they eat chicken? Is this actually cheaper? I wonder what it smells like?” is interrupted by a man coming up behind me and asking if I remember him.

I don’t know what my face looked like, but I’m sure, based on the look I had on it, he and his wife were positive I didn’t.

They broke up laughing. He handed me the Costco card I had dropped out of my back pocket when fishing for my phone earlier. I told him I knew I hadn’t had him in a MATH class. We all laughed as he said he had probably copied off me. I was thankful he found my card and returned it to me. All’s well; ended well.

Today, as I scoured the birthday cards at Walgreens, I heard a small, soft voice behind me say, “Tamra?”. My first thought was, oh, no, not again. I turned around to see the back of a lady pushing her cart past me. I cautiously said, “Yes,” as if I were answering a trick question. The lady turned around to reveal my church friend, Vicki, who said she didn’t recognize me because I don’t usually wear my hair in a bun. Never mind the fact I was, for the first time, wearing new eyebrows I painted on with stencils and a shirt that had little holes worn in the front. Isn’t that how it is when we try to sneak out looking less than our best? I tell ya’.

We had a great conversation for a few minutes, standing in the greeting card aisle at Walgreens. Later, I had to smile at how sometimes hearing our name can bring such worry and joy simultaneously. Worry because we don’t expect anyone to know us, and joy because someone knows us where we are. In the city, that rarely happened, but here in a small suburb, it can, even if unlikely.

Have you ever felt that way about God? He sees and hears all, and yet, He loves us as His children. We aren’t always at our best; He knows that and loves us just the same. Sometimes He surprises us with His presence in the most amazing ways, leaving us comforted and reminded of His sovereign grace.

He knows our name, and we smile.

Adonai answered Moses, “I will also do what you have said, for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name.” Exodus 33:17

Reflection: How do you feel when someone says your name? Does it give you warm fuzzies or send cold ripples down your neck? Why?