Tell them while you still can

Here’s something to think about: ‘I remember when I took your new car on the road and wrecked it. I thought you would be livid and come down hard on me, but you didn’t. I remember when we went to the beach, and you didn’t want to go because you said it was going to rain. We went, and it rained. I was sure you would rub it in and say, “I told you so!” But you didn’t. Then there was the time when I spilled blueberry juice down the front of your new white tuxedo [suit]. I knew you would be upset and blame me. But you didn’t. And remember that formal evening? I was mistaken and told you it was casual. You wore blue jeans and felt like a fish out of water. I was sure you would storm out in anger and leave me standing there. But you didn’t. I wanted to tell you how much I loved you and how much I appreciated you for all those things when you returned from Afghanistan. But you didn’t.’

Don’t spend the future regretting unspoken words someone needs to hear. ‘Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.’ (Proverbs 16:24 NIV) Few things are more effective than the right word at the right time. By the same token, words of kindness withheld are a heavy burden to live with. That’s why the Bible says, ‘Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.’ (Proverbs 12:25 ESV) Don’t let shyness or fear of rejection keep you from saying what needs to be said. Tell them while you still can.