The Music of Your Life

“Look around you. There is not a life in this room that you have not touched, and each of us is a better person because of you. We are your symphony Mr. Holland. We are the melodies and the notes of your opus. We are the music of your life.”

I love Mr. Holland's Opus. I think the message of this movie can speak to each of us as we examine the worth of our lives.

In my own life I sometimes don’t realize how I’ve made a difference in the lives of people I care about. Maybe I’m not supposed to know. As long as I’m genuine and I live by the values I hold to be true, that’s all I really need. Along the way I will make a difference to those I care for, consciously or subconsciously. This is the music of my life.

How about you? What does your music say about you? Recently, at a family meeting we facilitated, family members showed a video tribute to their grandfather, Frank. The younger generations were curious about their grandfather and how he was perceived by the people who worked for him.

For several months in advance of the family meeting the young-gen’s worked on this project. They went to the business and proceeded to conduct video interviews of the employees. They even sought out retirees who knew this man. The interviews were edited and set to music. The video was played at the meeting.

What we witnessed was absolutely beautiful. The grandparents were brought to the front of the room and their grandchildren surrounded them as the video was played. Employee after employee talked about how Frank deeply cared for each one of them. They talked about his interest in their families, knowing many of them by name. They talked about his drive to go the extra mile in taking care of each of their needs. Without exception they exclaimed their lives were better because of his concern for each of them.

I’m sure you can imagine what happened as the video played. There was not a dry eye in the room. As the power of the video sank in, the grandparents cried as they listened to the beautiful tribute.

Following the video the grandkids talked about their appreciation for what their grandfather had done for the people who worked for him. They all agreed that they would follow their grandfather’s example in their own relationships with those they worked with as well as their personal lives.

In this way, not only did Frank make a difference in the lives of his employees but he also served as an example to his family on how to treat people. His legacy lives on in them.

What would your video tribute say about you? What would your symphony be? As we head into the holiday season, take the time to touch a life and make a difference. Those you touch will be better off because of your care and consideration and will become the notes and melodies of your opus that will continue on for generations.