I recently ran into a family that I had known for decades. We had a sweet relationship back then; our families would share meals, worship at church together, and serve together. I had such fond memories of this family and have thought of them often over the past few decades.
I’m not sure why we stopped hanging out. There was no falling out or harsh words, come to think of it. I think the family may have changed churches, for one closer to home. Our circles were not the same anymore, so we drifted apart.
It was the type of friendship that you think of warmly and remember fondly.
I ran into the family recently at the funeral of our former pastor. It was a wonderful reunion and it seemed as though not one day had gone by since seeing them the last time. We laughed, we caught up on each other’s lives, and reminisced of the days gone by.
The daughter in the family was in my small group at church, and I had served as her children’s pastor. She was visiting with her parents after six months in Europe and then was headed to New York the next weekend, so she was at the funeral.
She took me aside and said she wanted to talk to me. Curious as to what this conversation might be about, she said she just wanted to thank me. I was caught a bit off guard. I had such fond memories of her as she was growing up and had helped her in making some spiritual decisions decades ago. But thanking me? She went on to explain that she had thought about me over the years and had remembered things that I had taught her and was grateful for me.
I was a puddle of emotion, but trying to keep it together, I hugged her.
She went on to say some specific ways that I had helped her with and that she is who she is today because of the things that I taught her. I’m so glad she shared those words and asked to speak to me. Such sweet words, from seeds planted decades ago.
Is there anyone that you need to share sweet words with, perhaps tell them how they helped you or thank them for being part of your life? Don’t let the opportunity pass you by…
What are the chances that a funeral would bring a jet-setting young adult in town to the exact spot I was at for this sweet word exchange? No coincidence rather a divine appointment.
Share the sweet words, it may be just want someone needs to hear.
