Riske Business

I always enjoyed being around them. There was something about Ray and Roy Riske that was so inviting. These easy-going dairy farmers just outside of Edmonton, Alberta, who happened to be twin brothers, were no more hospitable than the other rural folk, though. Yet, I found that every time I visited them, I walked away feeling blessed.

Each time I left their home, I marveled at how much better I felt when I left compared to when I arrived. What was their secret?

Like a detective searching for the clue that would break the case, I started analyzing each detail of every visit.

Maybe it was the coffee. It was really good, but not extraordinary. How about the home-made carrot cake their wives had made that day? It was extraordinary, but you will know from attending any local church pot-luck that many women in Alberta create magic in the kitchen. So what was it then?

One day I got into a conversation with Ray and Roy about a vacation I was planning.

"Well, John, where are you going on your vacation?" asked Roy.

"I’m planning on going to Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff." I replied.

"We’ve been there, too, John," chimed Ray, "and you will love it."

"John, how long are you expecting to be away?" demanded Roy.

"Oh, about two weeks," I stated.

"It will be a vacation that you will never forget, John," Ray exclaimed.

I beamed and felt that familiar warmness I always felt when I was with the Riskes.

Suddenly I realized their secret – the magic words that made every person in their presence feel welcome. They are the sweetest words to every living being on the planet. Those words? Your own name!

Ray and Roy had the gift of being able to weave my name into every conversation. By doing so, I was drawn gently into their kind words. I was an important part of the discussion. I had to be. My name was mentioned so often.

Don’t believe me? Try it some time. It has worked for me. I think you will find the results amazing.