Inside: Sad news hammers home the importance of being generous with our words of affection. ~
When you come back from a blogging break, you can bring your readers up to speed on what you’ve been doing while you’ve been away.
Or you can start where you are right now.
I am planning to do the former soon. But the latter is on my heart today.
Sad News
Last week, Randy and I learned that our financial advisor had passed away unexpectedly. He leaves behind a wife and several young children. It was shocking news, sad on so many levels.
I can’t get past the suddenness. Maybe this is because of what happened to me earlier this year. In late March, I was out riding my bike when I was hit in a crosswalk by a car driver who ran a red light.
As I’ve shared before, I have no recollection of the accident, or of the next several days. I could have died, and I wouldn’t have known any different.
For the believer, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Whatever that entails, that would have happened to me. I would have been OK.
Even So …
Thankful doesn’t begin to describe how I feel about being alive, surrounded and supported by the love of family and friends.
My body is healing and my life has slowly returned to some semblance of normal. But the new normal is a bit different.
When driving, for example, I wait a little longer when a red light turns green. Instead of just following the traffic signal, I look left and right to make double sure nobody is coming.
I’m not obsessive about defensive driving, but I am more defensive. I don’t want to get blindsided again.
It could happen, though. To any of us, at any time.
As a Result …
I have a heightened awareness of the importance of making sure the people in my life know that I love them. That I’m proud of them. That I’m thankful for them and pray for them.
I don’t know what this should look like in every case, but I want to be generous with my words of affection, gratitude and encouragement.
Different people have different needs. Words of affirmation aren’t as important to some. But even they need to know how we feel about them, regularly.
Our words of love, statements of affection and personalized bits of encouragement can’t eliminate problems, alleviate suffering or make grief disappear. But they do count for something.
Maybe more than we think.
• • •
Next week, I hope to share some thoughts about life away from blogging and what I’ve been learning in this unexpected season. In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you. Please share a summer highlight, or perhaps tell what being generous with your words means to you these days.
Whether you comment or not, I am grateful that you’re here.
♥ Lois
These days, I have a heightened awareness of the importance of making sure the people in my life know that I love them. That I’m proud of them. That I’m thankful for them and pray for them. Share on X Different people have different needs. Words of affirmation aren’t as important to some. But even they need to know how we feel about them, regularly. Share on XP.S. I’m linking up this week with #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.
20 comments
I’m so sorry you lost your financial advisor so suddenly. It’s so jarring when someone dies unexpectedly. Even though we know it’s possible for any of us on any given day, it’s still a surprise when it happens. I love your lesson to use the opportunities we have to express our love and appreciation more frequently. Valuable!
Jarring is a good word for it, Lisa. I wish we didn’t have to experience such surprises. Hugs, friend.
I think it’s good that you’re just a little more cautious while driving. Unfortunately, an accident many years ago caused me to be fearful for a long time. I’m so glad you’re back, Lois. You’ve been missed.
Aw, Ashley … I’m sorry your accident increased your fear but I understand the feeling. It’s good to be be back! ❤️
Welcome back, friend! 🙂 Hmm…one of my favorite ways to be generous with words with Matt is to keep a list of things I love about him over the course of the year and give it to him on our anniversary. It’s become a fun tradition.
That is a wonderful tradition, Bethany! When is your anniversary? ❤️
Lois,
This blog means you are doing well and for that I am deeply thankful!!
Kim
I am doing well, Kim! I’m thankful too … so good to hear from you here!
You’re back, friend! And I am so grateful.
Yes, it’s the losses or traumas or life-changing events that do turn us around and invite us to embrace what matters most. I am sorry for the sudden sadnesses you have walked through this year.
And I look forward to your writing in the days ahead. When you are ready, I know you’ll be sharing what’s deep in your heart. You’ll know what to say, He will guide you.
Sending love this morning.
Aw, Linda … thanks so much for your words of compassion and encouragement. You are a blessing in my life, dear friend.
I’m so sorry about the sudden death of your financial advisor and for the trials his wife and children must go through, Lois. You, too, are in my thoughts and prayers for continued healing in body and in spirit and for strength to live a new “normal.” And I’m glad you bring this up – “Different people have different needs. Words of affirmation aren’t as important to some. But even they need to know how we feel about them, regularly.” So true. Love, hugs and blessings of strength and peace for each day!
Trudy, thanks so much for your kind words and prayers. I hope your summer is going well … it’s hard to believe it’s already mid-August, isn’t it? Love and hugs right back to you, dear friend!
Lois, I was so happy to see that you have written a post. I have been checking on your site as I do miss your words. I cannot imagine the challenges of coming back from an accident such as yours. But the Lord surely has been watching over you. Life can change so quickly and we need to be reminded not to take our families and each day for granted. We may never know the difference our words or kindnesses may mean to someone so may we be generous with both, for who knows what the Lord will do through either! Blessings and a hug to you!
Hi Joanne! It was good to take a break, but it’s also good to be back here. Recovery has been slow but steady, and I am so grateful for God’s healing power! I appreciate your encouragement so much!
Lois, I am so sorry to hear of your accident. I praise God for His protection and provision during this season of your life. Having been the recipient of many sudden changes, blind-sided by grief and loss, I couldn’t agree more with your words here. We simply do not know what a day may bring, yet we often live as if we do. I am learning to see the treausres of life and treasure those in it. Sending my love and healing hug to you, my Friend.
I am learning those same lessons, dear friend. Thank you for sharing your understanding and kind words. Love and hugs to you you!
Good thinking arises from the hard realities life serves up. I am so sorry for your loss and for the pain of the past few months…
Thank you for your kind words, Michele. I agree about the good thinking … it’s helpful when we’re able to connect a few dots here and there, isn’t it?
It’s good to see a post from you pop up! I agree, we need each others’ words even if that’s not our primary love language. When a major accident or illness or a sudden death happens, it wakes us up to how fragile life really is. That would be depressing if not for knowing that God’s is in control. It’s still not easy, but He walks with us through it.
So true, Barbara. I am so grateful for His presence. Hugs, friend.