I may be accused of covering the same theme here … over and over. But I don’t think there is anything that changes us more than how we see others. Extend ourselves to others. And receive so much in return. Even while slow aging. Makes us brighter. More open and inviting. So … repetitious or not, here goes.

I attended the memorial service for a lifelong friend of mine who died at the age of 72. (See my previous blog titled Monty) I was most struck by the expansive impact he had had … how revered he was by so many. What is it about those who’s impact extends so? My friend was no celebrity. And yet if you attended this “celebration” you would think he’d been one. He lived very much, quietly really, under the radar. Turns out his every waking day was focused on one thing. Reaching out in love … to others with every opportunity that came his way.

Wonderful things were offered at the service. But one hit me in particular. There were twenty or so testimonials on video given by people who had worked with him. Note there were hundreds who worked there. “You were an amazing boss.” … “Can’t tell you how much you meant to me.” But there was one young girl whose message said all … for me. “I joined the company one day. As an administrative assistant in the marketing department. Hadn’t been there for more than an hour. I was walking down a hallway … and there you were. Walking right toward me. The guy who owned the place! I smiled a bit nervously. And said, ‘Good morning …’ You replied, ‘Good morning, Sophie.’ Reached out your hand. ‘Wonderful to have you with us.’ I’d never met you! Wow!“

You have to have deep and lasting feelings for others to do things like this. In fact my friend knew every employee’s name … the names of their spouses, kids. All of them.So while dealing with all the macro issues he needed to address daily, this guy found time to slow himself and … care. When I told this story to my son in law yesterday. He replied, “They just don’t make people like him anymore.” For the most part he was right. Again I’ve written about this theme throughout my Blog. But there may not be any more valued “space between the notes” offering than this. Pausing to embrace those moments, those opportunities to let another know … “You matter.” Reach out in love.

Lastly, I interviewed a young professional this week. She had moved from her previous employer to work for a client of mine. Extremely capable … a star. My client was offering her less money than she was making with her current company. “Why would you leave for less money?” I asked. “I wasn’t respected, even acknowledged for my contributions to the success their. My boss showed me little respect. Assumed too much.” Ok … proves my point. We all are human. Craving appreciation, just a little love. Goes such a long way.

No doubt I’ll encounter more chances to write on the subject of loving one other. Just read about Jesus? Hmm … I may be on to something here.