Years ago, when I was working for VHA, there was a small family-owned and operated deli on the first floor of the building where our national offices were located. The deli was a convenient place to have coffee or a soda with a colleague, or to have lunch. I ate there frequently, as did many of my colleagues.
For various reasons, I ended up taking notice, appreciating, and becoming friends of the first generation immigrant family who owned and operated the restaurant, and I admired how hard they all worked—parents and children alike.
One of the children, a young man, had remarkable talent for the violin. He was a very sweet and humble boy, who would sometimes practice his violin there at the deli. One day while conversing with his family and listening to him practice, I learned that he had an opportunity to enter a music contest of sorts. But in order to enter, he needed to raise some money to cover the cost.
Inspired by the boy’s hard work and talent, I decided to help him raise the money he needed to enter the contest. Taking him up to the VHA offices, I went from floor to floor, inviting people to come gather around and listen to him play, and explaining what he needed. They loved it. And by the end of 20 minutes, he had earned a couple hundred dollars!
I can’t help but think, had I been overly focused on myself, my priorities, and just finishing my lunch and getting back to my office, I would have never had that conversation, and I would have never had the opportunity to help share that boy’s talent with my colleagues, and help him earn the money he needed to enter that contest. We all would have missed out on a blessing!
Sadly, in the day-to-day busyness of our lives, it’s far too easy to not really notice or pay attention to the people around us. Too often, we let beautiful opportunities to connect with wonderful people just pass us by, because we are too focused on our own lives.
Think about it. How many mornings do you stop and get a cup of coffee? Do you know your barista’s name?
Do you frequently pick up a newspaper at a corner stand? Would you be aware if the usual newspaper vendor was replaced by someone else?
How often during your workweek do you grab a quick lunch at a nearby café? Have you ever had a meaningful conversation with your server?
Every day you interact with scores of people around you, and not just your coworkers, friends, and family. Take time to notice the people you come in contact with. You might be surprised—and greatly blessed—by some wonderful people, if you only take the time to reach out.
Take time to notice, and take time to care!
Thanks for an insightful reminder, Dan! Also, I LOVED the West Point article and the original, full article that was attached. Since I have enjoyed and gained from your articles for many years I figured that I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to drop a line to let you know after reading this particular article that urges us all to, “Take Time to Notice, Take Time to Care.” Please keep up the good work and know that we may rarely say it, many of us look forward to every article!
All The Best,
Alan Warren
Thank you so much Alan. I deeply appreciate your honest, sincere feedback. You are correct that in many cases, literally hundreds of hours are invested in writing and publishing articles with little feedback. People are extremely busy. And then, someone like you takes a moment to send a note like the one you just sent. And it is those notes, and the positive feedback I hear when talking to people across America that makes all the difference.
Thank you so much!
By the way, if you ever have the urge to be a guest writer for one of my articles, please let me know. Normally those who recognize quality, produce quality!
Thank you again and have a wonderful week.