Last night I went to a memorial service for a person I did not know. I didn’t just crash a memorial service, I know his sister. As I sat listening to his friends share stories about him and what they will miss, I really wished I had known him. Their stories brought laughter, and tears to everyone in the room. You could truly see what a gift of friendship and laughter he had brought to his family and friends while he was on this earth.
Now I am not meaning to make this a downer, but instead share how I am often reminded how important to tell those in our lives how much they mean to us. I believe it is important to tell our friends and family members that we appreciate their friendship and love and why we do. Adding the why often adds more meaning behind the statement and can make a person feel valued. We may assume that the person knows we appreciate them, but doesn’t it feel good to hear that when someone tells you? Why not say it out loud? If that makes you uncomfortable, maybe write them a note, and it can be as simple as “I appreciate you being my friend.”
Life keeps us busy, no doubt. There are always chores and errands to be done, places to be, but it is important to take the time to spend time with the people who bring light into our lives and whose lives we touch. And while spending that time with them, don’t hesitate to tell them why they are important to you. It most likely won’t only make them feel good, but you will also feel good.
So don’t wait until it is too late to say what you appreciate, and gain from them being in your lives. Let them hear it over and over again!
