We live as if we'll have all the time in the world, and in some ways we do.
We certainly don't want to live life in such a rush that we are sprinting from experience to experience and don't take the time to really soak it all in.
However, you do want to be intentional about loving and caring for the people in your life.
You often hear "life is short" -- I prefer "life is precious."
It is; delicately, beautifully so.
I met someone recently that said she doesn't show much affection or tell her partner that she loves him because she said, "He knows -- I don't need to be all mushy."
It broke my heart a little, not saying it might not be true, but is it "mushy" to let someone know on a regular basis how much you care for them and what you delight in about them?
I don't think so.
If that person was gone tomorrow -- would she still feel the same way?
While you're here, tell the people you care for that you love them and tell them what makes them special, stand out -- what lights you up about them.
Give others life with your words when you can.
I went to say "goodbye" to my dad a couple weeks ago as he's dying from brain cancer.* The location of his tumor prevents him from communicating, but he does understand. I know he loves me, but I so long to hear that and more before he dies. We thought he had more time... I thought we'd be able to talk.
Isn't that so often how it goes?
We see things in people and we think they're talented and we give them a passing compliment, but don't really take the time to let them know what makes them outstanding.
We really care for someone, but we don't let them know how deeply we feel for them out of fear that it's too much, or that they certainly know.
Perhaps it's something we've done and we want to apologize, no matter how long ago it has been.
Or we want to forgive and if appropriate let the other know we have let that piece of our history go.
We are all longing to be seen and acknowledged and the affirming words from another can be like water on parched soil some days.
Live your life, not in scarcity, that this could be your last day, but if it were, would you like to say something to someone?
Please say "it."
Send someone a text, call someone, let your "loves," your colleagues; people who make a difference in your world, know what you love about them and what a difference they make in your world and in the lives of others.
Breathe life into those that surround you with your genuine, heartfelt words and deeds.
Don't wait.