Lately, I have heard and read a lot of people telling a loved on goodbye to their friends, social networking sights and in the newspaper. It never ceases to amaze me that they have waited until they are gone to tell them how they feel about them and how much they have impacted their lives. Can we not see that it is too late? All that is, is a feeble attempt to release the guilt we have from not speaking up sooner and helping us with the grieving process.
Why wait? Who is it in our lives that has made a big impact on us? Why not tell them now? What would you tell them if you were writing their epitaph and telling them goodbye? Write it down!! Act as if you just found out that they had died and give them the best send off words can write, then give it to them. Whether it is in your comfort zone or not, don't wait until they do not get any gratification from it. Say it now when it can do the most good.
On the other hand, what would our own farewell speech say? What would people say about us if we weren't around anymore? Would there be a void, a great loss? What would your kids do? Would they be prepared for your absence? Would you leave behind a mess? If I was taken tomorrow, what would people say about me when they heard? Would there be a line going out the doors for my viewing or would we close up early because no one came? What would happen to my kids? Would they be prepared for such a loss or would they blame God forever?
How morbid!! Maybe. Haven't you ever wondered if you were gone, would everyone feel the impact? I want my life to be a legacy. I hope to set a new record on the oldest person one of these days but if that doesn't happen, I want my life, my presence and what I have taught my kids and those around me to live on long after I am gone. I want my kids to continue in the legacy that I have help create. There is more to life than just the day to day things. Death is a big part of it as well. It's something no one wants to talk or even think about but it is a reality. I can think of several people that I would feel a piece of me was missing if they went to Heaven. Their lives, actions and love has helped shape me into who I am. Their graciousness has been given to me when I least deserved it. What a loss that this world would experience if they were gone. Why wait to tell them this? I would love to hear it if I made an impact on someone. I would love to hear my kids say "why" they love me and replay memories when they get older. I look forward to that. I want to purpose in my heart to not wait until it is too late to share the love, admiration and thankfulness that I have for those around me. In most cases there is no way I could ever "pay them back" for what they have done for me. Although, I can "pay it forward". There is no better way to say thanks than to pass on those lessons that someone else has taught you.
I have some amazingly strong men and women in my life and in my family. Their actions have spoken to me when their words couldn't get through. When I was feeling unlovable they loved me through it. When the distance increased the love and closeness that we have has not. I am so thankful for the ones God has put in my life. It is my goal to make sure that each and every one not only knows it but sees and feels it as well.
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When saying goodbye to someone and writing their farewell, it is easier when the story of their life is something amazing to tell.
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