Tico Tuesday, November 26th

You know how people often go on and on about how wonderful someone was when that person is in a casket in front of them and unable to hear the life-giving words being spoken of him or her? Or how people regret not being able to tell that person how much he or she meant to them? Or ask their forgiveness for an offense long ago that damaged their relationship? Why is it so hard to tell people how we really feel about them? How much they mean to us? How grateful we are that God has allowed our lives to become intertwined in theirs? A few kind words can make somebody's day, and deepen—or sometimes even renew—a relationship.

Jorgito (kneeling) sharing with Tía (in the green)

I remember when the grandma of the family I lived with my first three years here passed away. One of her daughters had come down from the States to take care of her for a year. While she was here, she bonded with me and many of the other young adult friends of the family. Before she left to go back to the States, we threw her a party. I don't know how it started, but every person ended up taking the opportunity to tell Tía (Auntie) how much she meant to us. She made sure to return the favor too, and speak words of love, challenge, and encouragement right back to us. It was one of the most beautiful, sacred-in-a-way moments I've ever experienced. Many tears were shed, and I'm pretty sure heaven was rejoicing in what we were doing.

There's a video floating around facebook that talks about the benefits of thanking people for impacting our lives. I dare you—us—to be bold this Thanksgiving and Christmas season and tell people how much they mean to us, how much we love them, how grateful we are for them. What have we got to lose? Maybe some heartfelt words of love and gratitude are the perfect gift to give this year (without going to Hallmark). Maybe they are just what those around us need to hear. And I mean hear. I think it's easier to write stuff like that than say it. But it is so much more powerful to hear than read. Well, maybe writing and then reading it aloud is the best way to go, so the words will be recorded and can be reread. Go. See somebody face to face, Skype, or at least call, and tell someone—or many someones—how much they mean to you and that you love them. It is pleasing to God and will be a great blessing to you, the person you're speaking to, and whoever else might be within hearing distance. Besides, you never know when you might be saying your last goodbye.

~Carrie