Billy

I believe in Alabama’s famous song “Angels Among Us.” Most of the time it is a delayed reaction for me. However, it is even better when I sense an angel it at the beginning of the encounter. Recently, my son and I made a quick pit stop into the Waffle House in Easley, SC.??Although this famous establishment has a love hate relationship with my stomach (and probably yours too), the memories made there are undeniable.?If are are going to be PEOPLE…ALL IN, we must be on the look out for Angels Among Us.?

Eli loves to sit at the bar when we go. There was just enough room to fit us in. As we sat down, I warmly acknowledged the man to my side. He was sitting by himself, and it appeared the he was just getting started into his meal. “What’s going on my friend?” This is somethign my dad indirectly taught me. Friendliness is the greatest icebreaker. The man responded, “my name is Billy, it is nice to meet you.”??

As we sat there and chatted throughout the time, I realized that the goodness of humanity is still alive. Billy and I did not discuss politics or other worldly affairs. It was just a simple encounter with with no real substance. Some people may describe Billy is an African-American or a Vietnam war veteran. I picked up on his military status from the hat that he wore.??I honestly believe that he just wanted to be known as Billy.??What I gleaned from this conversation is that none of his background differences mattered.??You could tell in his tone that he was filled with joy. Life should be lived by a continuous flow of positive people experiences.

As Billy wrapped up his meal, I asked the waitress for his check. She quickly replied that someone else had beaten me to it.??Someone else must have noticed that he was an “Angel Among Us.”??

Taylor Swift recently addressed the 2022 graduating class at NYU. Her delicately placed words were “not a single one of us here today has done it alone. We are each a patchwork quilt of those who have loved us.”?

It’s obvious to see how parents, teachers, coaches and other role models lead us through life.?People like Billy also make up that patchwork quilt that Taylor Swift described.?Within his sphere of influence, Billy makes the world a better place. He may not have a building named after him, but Billy is a + 1 to our society. He is an Angel Among Us.?

The company I work for today has many angels.?In our servant leader environment, we try our best to recognize them for their contributions.?Many companies do not provide a culture for recognizing others. If are are going to be PEOPLE…ALL IN, find the next Billy and look for Angels Among Us.?