Tonight is the 2011 CMT Music Awards. The show will honor the best country music videos of the year and feature country’s biggest names performing live. According to the 2011 Country Music Association, 38% of American adults—or about 85 million people—are Country Music fans, so it’s very likely that many of you will be tuning in. One of the songs nominated tonight really spoke to my heart as a husband and father. The song, Hello World is the fourth single from Lady Antebellum’s album, Need You Now.
The video is touching, and the music is captivating. But what really struck me were the lyrics. As I watched and listened, I couldn’t help but draw a parallel between the story playing out before me and the story of our lives.
We’re distracted and disengaged.
We are all so busy that we multi-task at everything. We have working lunches because we’re too busy to take the time to enjoy a meal away from our desks. We’re connected to every gadget possible so we can stay connected on the go. Instead of being in the moment, we’re consumed with a constant mental checklist of things we need to accomplish. We are disengaged.
Small kindnesses make huge impacts.
In the video, this kindness was demonstrated in the chocolate-faced smile of a child, and an innocent wave. It’s a kindness that costs nothing to the giver, but can be priceless to the one on the receiving end. It’s amazing how a few seconds can change someone’s day. You never know if a simple smile from you may be the only kindness a person is shown all day.
Our Challenge.
OK. So here’s where the rubber meets the road. What are we going to do about it? The answer to being distracted and disengaged is to focus on what’s happening around us and to be engaged in the moment. Will you accept the challenge? Pick one or all of them and then let me know how it goes.
1. When someone’s talking to you, make eye contact, smile, and do NOT multitask.
2. When you get in your car, don’t connect your Bluetooth; in fact don’t even turn on the radio. Instead, just drive and enjoy the scenery or the conversation with a riding companion.
3. Smile and say, “Hello” to a stranger. Show a kindness to an unsuspecting person.
I hope that Lady Antebellum takes home a prize tonight for this song. I’m glad there are still musicians in the industry who put out such inspiring music. We certainly need it. What are your thoughts about this song?
