We were sitting in a small restaurant when the text arrived…
“…Paul died earlier today!…”
We sat, stunned in disbelief. Our minds fought to process the hard, unforgiving reality of such unexpected and unwelcome news. There we were, investing a day for strategic business planning; suddenly and sharply reminded not to lose sight of what is most important while we “go about our business”.
The sudden death of our friend and colleague, Paul, delivered a sobering wake-up call to a couple of quite focused, get-things-done kind of guys. Paul was 58, fit, focused, full of life and faith.
Most, if not all, of us have received a similar wake-up call over the course of this lifetime. One moment someone special is with us and in the next they are gone!
Paul’s passing reminded me of a phrase I heard from author & speaker, Ken Blanchard “Keep your ‘I love U’s’ current”. I stopped and asked myself that very question. Are my “I love U’s”, current?
Are yours?
Here are 3 reminders about the reality and fragility of our one and only life – 3 realities encouraging us to keep our “I love U’s” current:
- The death rate is still 100%.
None of us know the exact time of our deaths. Yet sometimes we live as if tomorrow was a given. It is not!
Your business, my business, WILL TURN TO DUST!
Yes, we are called to steward and serve well in and through our businesses. At the same time, I wonder how many of us really operate this way. Let’s keep it in perspective. How often do we sacrifice relationship for the sake of business?
Please listen – really listen, to these pointed words from the Psalmist.
“Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.”
I have never seen a hearse pulling a U-Haul! Have you?
Are your “I love U’s”, current?
- What were your conversations like over the last week?
If you died today, how would those closest to you….at work and at home…remember your last words?
Would they be ones of:
“I love you!”
“You are important to me!”
“You are worth it!”
Or, would they be words of unresolved frustration, disappointment or anger?
Jesus, even in His most brutal dying moments on the cross, remembered his mother. He even engaged in eternal conversations with a couple of lost guys who were dying next to him.
I wonder how they remembered Jesus?
How are your most important people, at work and at home, remembering you?
Are your “I love U’s”, current?
- The Main Thing Is That The Main Thing Remains The Main Thing!
Jesus was SO very clear on the magnitude and priority of relationship. In fact he was CLEAR that nothing, absolutely nothing, was to be greater than the love that exists between you and Him, you and yourself, you and those around you.
“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “’You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment.A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ The entire law and the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40 NLT
I am quite sure that Jesus left this earth knowing that his “I love U’s were current. Are yours?
Let me be clear. I am not suggesting the need to go around to all you meet, hug and use the words “I love you”. At the same time, I suspect that there may be some relationships in which this is very much needed.
I am suggesting that you and I can lead differently. I am suggesting that, with Christ in us, we have ALL that we need to “love” and to do it well. He has given us all that we need to keep our “I love U’s” current.
We do have the God-given capacity to truly love in such a way that communicates authentic, genuine appreciation and affirmation for those close to us at work and at home. I am inviting you to use words and actions for the ones who need to know that you “love” them.
Time to make sure your “I love U’s”, are current!
Questions To Ponder (even better do this with some friends):
- If you passed away tonight would those close to you, at work and at home, know that your “I love U’s” are current with them?
- Are you aware of any relational gaps between you and others at work or at home?
- If the gaps are a result of you, have you “cleaned up your mess”?
- When was the last time you asked those close to you “how can I help you feel more loved by me?”
- What specific steps can you take to ensure that your “I love U’s” are current?
- Is there anything holding you back from doing so?
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Let us know what you think! Pete@deliberateu.com
Pete
