Say the words.

Say the words.

This is the time. If you needed someone to tell you. To nudge you. To encourage you.

Maybe to give you a good hard shove.

Well, six feet rule, so no shoving.

Say the words.

I’m reading these days about the people who are more introverted. They are somewhat happy with “stay at home.” They prefer being with less people. Prefer being at home. Prefer not having other people in their space. And perhaps you’ve never been a fan of hugging. Don’t like someone touching your hand or shoulder. We’re all very different, and I respect those differences.

Say the words.

I’m also reading these days about the people dying from the virus. Good for us if we are flattening the curve, and reducing the number of deaths. But however many die...it’s too many.

And mixed in with the deaths from this virus, will be so many other deaths. People we care about. People who die unexpectedly, because, well, that’s just the way it is.

Say the words.

There are words to be said...need to be said to one another...before life comes to an end. Words that need to be said now. Often. To each other. Words of life.

Say the words.

I am delightfully amazed at the great manner in which kindness is on display these days. It is fierce. Generous. Enthusiastic. Selfless. People being good to each other, to many they do not know, separated by six feet or miles. People keep giving and giving and giving. Deep caring. The word “lovingkindness” comes to mind.

I believe many have lived this way their whole lives. Many are frequently kind. Quietly kind. Persistently kind. And many others have had their hearts stirred by this pandemic. A giant door has swung open, and there is a flood of kindness being offered and seen and reported.

Say the words.

They say “actions speak louder than words.” Someone said “a picture is worth a thousand words.” But remember when I said we’re all very different? We are.

Some of us will hear a string of words, a sentence, and it will stay in our hearts forever. It will grow us. Carry us. We will build our lives on some words. We will make choices, accept challenges, take risks, learn truths, and love others...all because of some of the words that were planted in our hearts.

Little gardens of words, that gave us life.

Say the words.

However busy you are...or not. However talented and resourceful you are...or not. However tired you are...or not. However fearful or shy you are...take courage. However uncertain you are...take the risk.

Speak your heart. Say the words.

I love you.
You mean the world to me.
You matter to me.
You matter to so many.
I value you.
I’m so proud of you.
I love being with you.
I love listening to you.
I miss you.
I can’t wait time spend time with you.
You’re so smart.
You’re so strong.
You’re so gifted.
You’re awesome.
You’re remarkable.
My life is better because of you.
I knew you could do it.
Thank you!
Thank you for being my friend.
Thank you for loving me.
Thank you for all you do.
Thank you for your kindness.
You can count on me.
I’ll always be there for you.
What do you need?
I’m sorry.
And so many more.

Say the words. The people in your life. Family and friends. Neighbors. The people you work with. That stranger who is helping another, or who is just doing their job, or who seems to be struggling a bit.

I think I shared this before: I was in an airport bathroom several years ago and there was a bathroom attendant. I told him, “Thanks so much for taking care of us. Have a good day.” He stopped and looked at me, saying, “I work in here all day long, and you are the only person to speak to me.”

I sometimes think...I’m 63...I’ll live a good while longer. But I don’t know. So if the people in my life want to tell me anything, how they feel, tell me now. I’d rather hear encouraging words now, than have kind words spoken at my funeral.

And I’d rather say the words now, to others, than have regrets.

Someone may be waiting to hear something from you. Maybe loving words. Maybe healing words. Maybe growing words.

Don’t miss out. Don’t let them miss out.

Say the words.

And look at that! You just planted a little garden in someone’s heart.