As I watch my kids grow, I keep picturing myself as an old man, looking back on these years. The thought of regretting anything from this precious, fleeting time makes me want to hold on to each hectic day a little tighter.
While each day feels busy and there’s always something else to do, I wonder what can be more important than the relationships I have with those I love. Do they know I love them? Is there any doubt in their minds? Have I taught my children all the good things I know?
A little while back, I had a conversation with my wife and made sure she knew, in no uncertain terms, what our marriage has meant to me—everything! At the risk of sounding a bit morbid, I told her that if anything were to happen to me suddenly, I want her to have no doubt where we stood. Even if our last day happens not to be our best, I want her to remember only the good that came from our love.
Powerful Expressions for Those You Love
Words of love and appreciation often go unspoken, or we think we’ll say them later when the time is right. However, I say don’t wait—you never know when it’ll be too late. In that spirit, I’ve taken time to reflect on some of the words that I want to share with others now, while there’s still breath in my lungs.
You Shaped Who I Am
People want to feel that their lives have been meaningful. You can give the gift of meaning to someone’s life by sharing how that person helped you become who you are. Many times, we labor through life without seeing the full fruits of our efforts, and so it is a blessing when we can actually see how our work has made an impact.
I Believe in You
At key moments in people’s lives when they are facing self-doubt, you have the power to inspire them by believing in them even when they might not believe in themselves. Your faith can transform their self-image and motivate them to live up to high expectations.
I See How Hard You’re Trying
We all know that things don’t always work out the way we hope. Our best efforts can fall short, and even a good decision can backfire for reasons we could not predict. However, we can always acknowledge the hard work of those around us and praise them for the virtue it reflects.
I Notice the Little Things You Do
In a world where everyone’s nose is buried in their screens, it seems we’re paying less attention to one another than we ever have. One large drawback is that we don’t notice the small gestures of kindness that others do for us and around us, without any expectation of return. People love to be noticed, especially when you see them at their best.
Tell Me About Your Day
Maybe you say this one a lot already, but do you say it with the kind of intention that signals to your friends, “Wow, they really want to know”? There are different levels to the game of friendship, and some are reached not by what you say, but by how you say it. Better to learn this superpower now while there’s still time to use it.
God Loves You
Faith has transformed countless lives, including my own, and it feels strange to keep something that good entirely to myself. However, these days, with belief on the decline, many of us hesitate to share this part of our lives for fear of offending someone. I’ve found the opposite is usually true—when faith is shared gently and without pressure, these conversations tend to encourage rather than be a burden.
Why I Love You
“I love you” hits harder when you go out of your way to say what you love about someone. It makes people feel that you love them for who they are in particular, and not just in some abstract way that you love anyone around you. Deep down, the need to be known and loved for who we are is one of humanity’s most fundamental needs.
One reason that we hold these words back is we assume that we have plenty of time. If you knew that this was your last week with a friend, you’d surely be generous with your praise and open in your affection. You never know when your last week might be. And even if it’s far in the future yet, your relationships will only grow stronger if you live as though time is short.