Don’t leave things unspoken.
We often think that there is always time. Time to do something we have always wanted to do. Time to accomplish something we have dreamed about. Time to tell somebody something that we have always wanted to tell them. We can always do it later. So, we put things off. We miss opportunities. We continue along in our status quo. Waiting until tomorrow and then the next tomorrow and so on.
Recently, it seems like many of the people in my life that I care deeply about have been battling health issues that have been slowly creeping up on them and some that have appeared completely out of the blue. These are people who take care of themselves and do the right things for their health. Myocardial Myopathy, Gillian-Barre Syndrome, and cancer are terms that have been part of our conversations over the past few years. I have watched my loved ones battle with courage and incredible strength to beat these invaders. I have seen how they have been changed because of the experience.
Me and my Dad (bad shorts) family reunion - 1980
It has reminded me how precious every moment is and how sinful it is to waste time. Time is the most precious commodity in our lives. We only get so much and there are no guarantees as to the quality of that time. I think about my father. I will be 59 in a couple weeks. My dad only lived 13 years after his 59th birthday. Many of those years battling heart disease and cancer. What would he have done differently if he knew that when he was my age?
Approaching 60 has created a strong sense of urgency in my soul. An urgency to live each day to its fullest. An urgency to travel. An urgency to do the things that bring me joy.
It has also reminded me not to let things go unsaid. It is important to me that the people I care about know that I care about them. We have so many “surface” conversations in our lives avoiding content that is real and genuine. But how does anyone really know us through these types of conversations? How do we really know them?
I think back to the many long talks with my Dad on his front porch. Particularly, after he was sick. I learned so much about being a man, being a dad, being a grandfather from those evenings on Sherwood Drive. I learned so much about myself.
I don’t want the people I love to ever doubt that because of something unspoken. I want to make sure that my friends and family know the real me. The good and the bad. I have learned that relationships of real value grow stronger and more meaningful when we genuinely share our thoughts and feelings with each other.
Our family
We never know what the next day may bring. We don’t know how much time we have on this earth. Don’t wait to share yourself with those that you love and care about. The clock is ticking.