Just recently, I lost a dear sister in Christ; and as some of us were reflecting upon the impact that she made upon our lives, there was one common theme: no one had anything negative to say about her. We were all so blessed to have been graced with her presence. I know when we lose someone close to us, we try to only focus on the positive or the good things about that person, but truth be told, if we chose to, we could remember some bad things too. But, for this beautiful Jewel, we could find nothing bad to say. She was so humble, always serving others, no evil or guile was ever found upon her lips. Her smile would brighten the entire building. A true Earth Angel. You know the kind of person who even though you hate to see him/her go, but you have no doubt that he/she is in Heaven? That is our unanimous feeling regarding our dear sister.
As we were reminiscing about our dear sister, we began to discuss the importance of giving people their Flowers while they can still smell them. I know we have all probably heard this at some point in our lives, probably during the time of a loss; but how many of us actually hold true to this once the grieving is over? I am grateful that we are able to take solace in the fact that we literally gave our dear sister her Flowers while she was still here with us. We actually gave her Flowers. We told her we loved her. We seized the day and the opportunity and we are thankful that we did because we didn’t know that the last time we spoke with her would be the last time that we would speak to her.
So, I challenge everyone who reads this post to make a conscience effort to let your love be in demonstration to everyone in your life while they are still here with you. And please don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you have time, for no man knows the day nor the hour (Matthew 24:36). One of the biggest regrets of man is “If I had more time…” So, make the best use of the time you have. Make today count.
Take time and thank people for their good deeds. Bless people every chance you get; whether it’s with something tangible or something intangible like a smile, a hug, a warm embrace, or kind words.
Make time for your family and friends; not just around holidays or when something bad happens. Pick up the phone and call a loved one and tell them you love them. If someone close to you is going through a hard time, try to support him/her according to your ability. You may not be able to do anything except extend words of comfort or prayer, but sometimes that’s what’s needed most. Place the needs of someone else before yours sometimes. Embrace one another in spite of your differences; accept people where they are, just as God does for you; pray for them, and let the love of Christ emanate through you; for it is the power of love which causes transformation.
1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God (Romans 15:1-7).
If you have a quarrel or disagreement with someone, be quick to apologize. Endeavor to keep the peace with all men, and don’t let the sun go down on your wrath. If you need to forgive someone, or if you need to ask someone for forgiveness, don’t delay any longer; do it today (Ephesians 4).
So, That Settles It; give people their Flowers while they can still smell them. Do it today because tomorrow is not promised; leave no room for regrets.
Reign in Heaven Evangelist Ruth