Life is busy. Calendars are full. Days, months, and years slip by. Is there someone who you’ve been meaning to call or see? Be intentional and schedule them on your calendar. We make time for what and who is important to us.
None of us are promised tomorrow. That fact was magnified during the pandemic. It gave us a chance to look at our priorities and what we need to rearrange and change.
Don’t assume people know how you feel about them. Even grown children need to hear encouragement and praise from their parents. Words have power.
My mother always said, “Bring me flowers while I’m alive not when I’m gone.” That’s good advice. Don’t wait until it’s too late. About a year ago (as I write this), my son was in a motorcycle accident. Thankfully, he survived and recovered. I seized the opportunity to stop in and see him recently despite his busy schedule. It was rare to find him home. Those are moments I will treasure forever.
Live on purpose. Be intentional. Be spontaneous. Every day is a gift.
Forgive. Let go of bitterness and differences. Forgiveness isn’t for the other person, it’s for you. It will lift your burdens and set you free. Let love in.
Love unconditionally. Maybe the one you need to love and forgive the most is yourself. Know that you are loved.
Here are some ways to create unity and community:
· Share your smile (even if it’s crooked or you have missing teeth).
· Send a card or text; write encouraging, complimentary words.
· Call your loved ones and tell them in the words of Stevie Wonder, “I just called to say I love you. I just called to say how much I care.”
· Meet up for a walk in the park, lunch, ice cream, or another local activity.
· Make eye contact with each other and engage in conversation.
· Get and give a heartfelt hug.
· Have a cookout or campfire, share stories, make memories.
· Go on vacation together.
Live life by design not by default. Turn each day from ordinary to extraordinary.
