Two weeks ago at my Uncle Roy’s funeral, I visited with my friend Donnie. Just a couple of years earlier Donnie’s son had died unexpectedly. Donnie was doing well but told me that after his son passed away he had made it his goal to tell people what he thought about them while they were still alive. Then he looked at me and told me, “I’m thankful that Roy was one that I sent a note to.”
I stood there wishing I would have sent him a note or told him what he meant to me. At just 59 years old, everyone thought he had many more years. Now I’m stuck with believing that Roy knew that I loved him, but I would have felt better if I could have just told Roy before he was gone.
It’s been since the funeral that I’ve committed to myself to tell people more often how I really feel about them. I’ve done a pretty good job over the past two weeks. Just yesterday I stopped a man at church that I highly respect, but had never told him how I felt. It took about two minutes to tell him just how much I love, admire and respect him. It felt good and was the right thing to do.
I plan to keep it up and that brings me to today. Today I wish to tell you, in all seriousness, how humbled and honored I am that you take a few minutes of your day to stop by this blog. I appreciate your reading and taking time to comment. You have blessed my life. Thank you for allowing me to share this ministry with you.
How about today you take the challenge of telling just one person how much they mean to you?
I am a Christian husband and father, who moonlights as the minister for the church of Christ in Childress, Texas. My wife Lea and I have been married for 23 years. We are doing our best to raise our 4 boys, who are all growing up way too fast.
i don’t think i’ve ever been first commenter!!! This is something we should all do, remember to tell those we care that we do!!! When my dad was really sick, Mike and I had just gotten home from a trip and the next morning when I talked to him and he told me they only gave him 6 months, we hopped in the car and drove the several hours to be with him that day. We got to say a lot of what we later would not get to say. I miss him so much, but I am so thankful for that day, a week later he was in the hospital and two more weeks he was gone (6 months huh?). I know your heart is feeling loss, I’m thankful that you’ve taken the time to turn that into new ambition to love people!
I think too often we are embarrassed to say how we really feel about folks because we might look foolish. But we don’t have to gush and go on and on. Just say “Hey, I like this about you.” It’s amazing how good it feels to say things like that. Feels even better to hear things like that!
Trey, I admire you for showing your love for your family (your wife especially) and for God. I enjoy reading your posts…and appreciate when you take a minute to stop by my blog. I don’t know you except on these pages, but I like what I see!! Take care~
Trey,
The joy and blessings are all ours! You are much better in person than on tractor cd!
Thank you for all you do,
Mythical
It’s so much easier for me to write encouraging things than to say them. I know it’s probably more valuable to actually say the words but, at least I write them!
I loved this post…it really makes me think…because you never know when it is going to be your time or theirs…thanks for the reminder….becuase we all should do alittle more of this…steph
we talked about this at church yesterday. we talked about why it’s so easy for us to ask God for things, but when it comes to saying thanks we’re not that great. i definitely think that having a grateful heart is evident to those that surround you and is a beautiful quality of Christ. thank you for sharing your grateful heart with us and encouraging us to do the same thing.
Trey, Loving others is what we all need to do. “Word or Deed”
Brandon Voss
ps. The background should be “Green” for St. Pats Day!
Morgan, your heart never stops amazing me! I can’t tell you how much you have touched my life this past couple of months. You are such an ecouragement!! Continue to love on that family of yours!
Dittoes as always!
Have you ever heard of Letters From Dad?
It’s basically the same concept you’ve mentioned here. I’m working through it now and it is really a great study. It talks about the importance of the blessing from a father and shows exactly how to give it through a letter in a very meaningful way.
You should consider it not only for yourself but for your congregation as well.
Wade I’ve read the book “Letter’s From Dad” and have been writing letters for the past two years to my wife and children. It is an excellent book.
You are right … it needs be mentioned both here and in the Childress church!
Trey, such a good post! Not only should we tell each other how we feel but also remember to ask questions of them and really listen to the answers. One of the best people I know who does this is Randy Becton here in Abilene. It is hard to get him of the subject of “me” and on to the subject of “him.” I’ve learned a lot from him.
My Dad found out that his cancer was back on a Thursday. We spent that night playing poker, drinking tea, and talking until 1:00 in the morning. He died the next Monday night. Yeah, those talks are important.
I took your challenge and tried to explain how much I love Noah to him this morning. I think he was more interested in playing with his stuffed monkey, but I said it anyway.
ThatGirl- I hear ya. I write cards, too. Hey, they can did them out later when they’re feeling bad and be encouraged all over again.
I’m also keeping a journal for my son that I manage to remember to write in a few times a month with little funny stories, wishes for him, etc. Hopefully he’ll think it’s cool one of these days.
Hey Trey – I just want YOU to know how much I enjoy reading your blog…you always have something positive or thought-provoking to say and I am always glad that I “stopped by”!! Thanks for taking the time to post great material! Have a great day!
You are doing good for a lot of people. You may miss an opportunity once in a while but I am sure there are hundreds or thousands of people that have been blessed by your love and caring compassion.