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Gateway to Heaven

How many of us have said in passing "Let's get together", or "Let's do dinner"; but the meet-up never takes place because of the distractions in each person's life. Or it's said thinking it is appropriate to say in the moment, but there is no intention of follow-up.

I am feeling rather contrite as I write this week's blog, because I am guilty of the former.

Earlier this year I lost a colleague and friend whom I had known for over 10 years. We would often say to each other as we worked, let’s get together, or something similar. It seemed like the appropriate thing to say in the moment. But we never made it happen. We would see each other at functional get-togethers, and we make would light conversations, but it's not the same as talking to someone one-on-one (as I often wont to do), without distractions. He was my friend and we shared many experiences, both work and non-work related.

Now he is gone, and I did not keep the promise that I made to him; and his passing has affected me profoundly. I miss him as a friend and colleague. But from this experience, I will never again make a promise in passing. From now on if I say let's meet up, I will schedule a date, time, and place. And if someone says to me "Let's get together", I will expect the same.

If you have followed my blogs, the themes of loyalty, friendship, honesty, honor, and commitment are pervasive. These are the qualities I look for in other people. But in doing so, I must also hold myself to the same standard, or even more so. This time, I failed. And I failed miserably. Am I being too hard on myself? Perhaps. Could the point also be made that it takes two? Again, perhaps. But I will only judge myself; judging others is God's job, not mine.

So I leave you with these words, and they are not said in passing. If you say to someone "Let's meet up", then schedule it!  Set up a time and place. And when you do meet up, give that person or couple your total undivided attention because they deserve nothing less (no cell phones unless it's an emergency!). Know that this could be the last time you meet with an associate, friend, lover, or partner. Love like there is no tomorrow, because there is no tomorrow for those who are destined to move beyond today.

Finally, have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving. Be thankful, and cherish those who are around you in the moment, because moments will slip away.

Always love.

Until next week.