Reach Out and Touch Someone

On this upcoming weekend, we celebrate Memorial Day in the U.S. with that much-awaited extra day off on Monday. It marks the unofficial beginning of summer, and I think people are ready for it. We want a weekend to downshift, one where we can relax with friends and family and regroup.

When I was preparing to write this column, I thought about the meaning behind Memorial Day, which is to honor those who have died in service for our country. It made me pause and reflect on an important question:

How are you making a contribution?

We get so absorbed in work and the busyness of our lives that we don't always thinking about this. It's actually not such a difficult goal, though, because you can make a wonderful contribution by playing a full and present role in the lives of those who are important to you.

The important words are "full and present". Many well-intentioned people have drive-by relationships today. They fret because there's not enough time to do everything they want to do, and unfortunately, relationships are one of the casualties.

Do you remember the old telephone commercial, "reach out and touch someone"? That's what I'm talking about.

You need to be intentional if you want to make a difference, and that means you need to be proactive.

So while you're relaxing with friends and family on this holiday weekend, why not reach out to someone you haven't talked to in awhile and reconnect? Make it intentional. They'll feel good, and you'll feel even better.

Have a wonderful weekend and a great week ahead!