Thank you “Black Lives Matter,” for reminding me of the message of Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.”
Like Water ‘gate’ before it, their phrase has sparked a whole genre of __________ Matters. And while I disagree with the Black Lives premise, their phrase sparked me this morning to write about something that really does matter to me, Touches.
Touches are actions that define what or who is important to you. Physical touches, politically and legally incorrect in today’s EEOC environment, gently let people know you notice them. I often joke in my sexual harassment workshop that my dad would never survive one month in today’s environment because he was a notorious “toucher.” My dad’s touch was endearing, as I found out from so many strangers at his funeral.
Touches, in a business sense, let your customers/vendors know you are thinking about them. I call some members of a chamber where I work just to say hello and see if we can do anything for them. Invariably, they have very few requests, and most literally tell me they are “touched” by my thoughtfulness. When business relationships die, an autopsy usually reveals a lack of staying “in touch” as a major contributing factor.
The same is true with friendships. My active friendships have a common thread, we both stay in touch. One way touches usually fade in my experience. I have been on both sides of this equation and must admit that my non-responses are to blame for some faded friendships. Mirror time again!
Touches are not big things: a note, a quick text, a phone call. Yet they are really are THE BIG THING. In the end most of us will leave this earth with only one category of regret. We will miss the relationships we have built and the gentle touch of a loved one. So make sure each day includes building your relationships, one touch at a time. It WILL matter and your touches will all work for the good! 🙂