This past Friday night, I lost one of my best friends, Jeff Day, after an almost five-year battle with cancer. Though not family by blood, Jeff was a brother to me in every sense of the word. I’ve known him for as long as you can know someone, and the impact he made on my life—and so many others—is impossible to measure.
Jeff left us with two powerful lessons: love deeply and share your gifts generously. These are the kind of lessons that can change lives when we live them out.
1. Love People Fully and Without Limits
What stood out most about Jeff was his deep love for people. He had this rare ability to make anyone feel seen, welcomed, and included—no matter who they were or where they came from. He didn’t care about appearances or titles; he just wanted to connect with others and make them feel valued.
Jeff had his own unique way of breaking down barriers. He was the guy who would tell a silly dad joke—the kind no one laughed at but him—just to lighten the mood. But it worked. That small act of humor opened doors, made people smile, and created a space where real connection could happen.
For example, I remember being at a gathering where someone new felt completely out of place. Jeff walked right up, cracked a ridiculous joke, and within minutes, the person was laughing, talking, and feeling like they belonged. It was just who Jeff was—a man who loved people and refused to let anyone feel left out.
So here’s the challenge: Who in your life could use a little extra love? Whether it’s a smile, a kind word, or simply including someone who feels overlooked, choose to love fully like Jeff did.
2. Share Your Gifts With the World
Jeff was blessed with a gift that was impossible to ignore. He could sing and play the guitar like no one else I’ve ever met. Whether he was on a stage late at night, sitting around a campfire, or just strumming in someone’s living room, he shared his talent freely. Jeff’s music brought people together, created joy, and touched hearts wherever he went.
It didn’t matter if there was an audience of one or one hundred—Jeff always played. That’s what made him special. He didn’t hoard his talent; he gave it away generously, knowing it could make a difference in someone’s day.
For example, there were countless times when Jeff would grab his guitar after a long day and play just to lift someone’s spirits. He used his music to bring comfort, laughter, and peace to anyone who needed it.
The truth is, we’ve all been given gifts. Maybe you’re a great storyteller, an incredible cook, a tech genius, or someone with an unmatched sense of humor. Your gift doesn’t have to be flashy or perfect; it just has to be shared. When you share what makes you unique, you have the power to impact lives—just like Jeff did.
What talent or gift do you have that the world needs to see? Don’t keep it to yourself. Start sharing it today.
Living Jeff’s Legacy: Love and Share
Jeff Day may no longer be with us physically, but his lessons are alive in all of us. He taught us to love without limits and to share our gifts without hesitation. When we do this—when we love more and give more—we create connections, change lives, and leave a lasting legacy.
So I challenge you to honor Jeff’s memory:
- Love those around you deeply. Make someone feel seen and included today.
- Share your unique gifts. Don’t hold back; your talents were meant to be shared.
Jeff, my brother, you will be missed but never forgotten. The impact you made will live on in the hearts of everyone you loved and everyone who heard your music. Let’s all live like Jeff Day—with open hearts, open hands, and a willingness to make the world a little better.
Who can you love more, and what gift can you share today?