The farewell

It’s the end. Friends are sharing their eulogies. My eulogies. I listen as they give thanks for what I did, and say how much they will miss me. It’s lovely to hear. No, I am not dead, but it is the end of my 40-year association with my university, where I was first a student and then a lecturer. A small group of colleagues have thrown me a farewell and are sharing kind words about me. As I hear them, I am filled with gratitude for the time I had to work with these people and the many students I taught. I am not leaving with regret but with passion and enthusiasm, fueled by their words, to pursue my next adventure. Yet sadly, for most of us, we never get to hear these words of encouragement – they are only shared at our funeral when their impact can no longer encourage and inspire us. Why are we so frugal with our praise and thanks? Why do we seldom intentionally message someone or call a friend or loved one and tell them how important they are in our lives? Why leave it until it’s too late? “A person finds joy in giving an apt reply — and how good is a timely word!” (Proverbs 15:23). Take a moment now to send a message or tell someone in your life how much you appreciate and love them. Open Bible – http://bit.ly/pro15v23