Yesterday I went to see the movie, The Fault in Our Stars. If you haven’t seen it, you should……….but take your Kleenexes. There was a part in the movie where three teens were talking about giving eulogies at other people’s funerals and how they should “practice” before someone dies so that the dying person can be present at his own funeral. Even though it sounds a little morbid, it was a part in the movie that you felt yourself smile and even laugh a little.
It made me think about the book and movie, Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. In this story, Morrie did create a gathering and let folks speak as if they were at his funeral. Although it was quite comical at times, there was something refreshing about it.
What if we were to tell people today, while they are alive, how much they mean to us or how much of a difference they have made in our life? What if you didn’t let the next episode of the latest sitcom prevent you from making a phone call to that person? What if you didn’t let the stress of each day and the stress of getting ahead in this life stop you from sending a note to someone special? What if today you stopped and asked God to bring to mind one person who has made a difference in your life that needs to hear your positive and encouraging words?
Would you act on it if someone came to mind? Maybe you say, “it would feel too awkward”. But how would you feel if you got a letter in the mail or a text message or email or phone call (heaven forbid we pick up the phone and call ear to ear – AND YES YOU CAN USE THE LANDLINE)? It would make you feel so good! It would make me feel so good!
I Thessalonians 5:11 says “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…”
Let’s do it today! Think of someone special who has made a difference in your life – either current or from the past. Maybe it’s an old teacher or high school friend you haven’t seen in a while. Maybe it is the cashier at the local grocery store who is always in a good mood and you go to her checkout line on purpose. Maybe it’s a teenager who is living out his faith boldly. Whoever it is, I encourage you today to tell that person while they are still alive. It does no good to tell other people how awesome the deceased person was if the deceased person lived their whole life without knowing the impact they made on yours.
Pretend you’re at the funeral and tell them what a difference they made in your life! Now. Today. Don’t wait until they can’t hear you…………….
