(Author’s Note: I will be attending a networking event later this week and decided today is a good day for a post about the people I want and have in my network.)

I Do Not Have A Network

Some people have a “network” of friends and acquaintances.  Not me – I own and run Michele’s Motel.  Why?  Because some people stay for a weekend, some stay for an extended period of time, others stop by long enough to ask for directions (it is always the women asking for directions – never the men).

Those that live on the ground floor are my foundation or what some of you call an “inner circle.”  Those way up there in the penthouse are the people who are far away from me with very little impact on my life.  We might “see” each other in email and/or in person once or twice a year but that is it.

My Motto

On the wall behind the check-in counter you will find my philosophy -

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”  Matthew 7:12 (NIV)

“…Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Matthew 23:39

Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

It’s what I aim to do.  Be a friend who loves you all the time and will be there in good and bad times to support and encourage you.  I know what it is like to have people refuse to help you and I will not be that way.

The People In My Network

Now that I told you about the structure of my motel, let me tell you about the people who reside here.

Just Like Me?

Some people only want to surround themselves with people of the same education, job title or marital status.  Ugh!  How boring.  I do not only want widows in my motel. Yes, they are the segment of society I am drawn to helping but who wants to surround themselves with only the same type of people?

Not me.

Variety

I believe variety is the spice of life.

Variety is why I love, opera, country western, classical, pop, religious and disco music.

Variety is why I want and have:

• Married couples – no matter how long they have been married.
• Dating couples – no matter how long they have been dating.
• The never-married – men and women,
• The divorced – men and women,
• Young,
• Old,
• Middle-Aged,
• Unemployed,
• And toxic people in my motel.

They have a lot to teach me and I have a lot to teach them – if they are willing to listen and learn.

Room For All

There is room in my motel for everyone – including the toxic people (negative Neil’s and Nellies).  Why?  Because I believe I have a duty both as a human and a Christian to help people and how can I do that if they are not in my motel?  The negative Neil’s and Nellie’s especially need my help (and they need yours too.) How else will they eventually be lifted up?

My ministry might only come in the form of a card, email or a blog post but it is still my duty to minister in whatever way possible.

Need A Place To Stay?

Remember, Michele’s Motel will always leave a light on for you because there is always a room waiting for you.  It’s not the Hotel California with the “Warm smell of colitas, rising up through the air.” Instead is a place filled with love, hope & joy and on occasion, the sweet smell of cinnamon rolls.  Oh and clean sheets every Saturday – for those of you on the extended stay plan.  Otherwise sheets are washed every time someone checks out.

A Question For You

The question now becomes do you have room in your motel (network) for all types of people or do you only want people exactly like you?