Do This Right Now

Who is the person in your life you admire most?

The person you respect? The person you wish you were more like?

Take a second to write that name down. Right now.

On your phone. A notebook. A napkin. Doesn't matter, just get it down.

For me, that person is my wife, Tillman.

Tillman is all the things I want to be, but am clearly not.

She loves people well. I too often let my selfishness get in the way.

She is consistent and intentional. I fly by the seat of my pants.

She's tough. I shut down when I have a head cold.

She's low-maintainance...

Alright, there needs to be one high-maintenance person in every relationship. I volunteered as tribute.

Did you get that name written down? Just checking.

Tillman is willing to get uncomfortable and be vulnerable. I lock my emotions in an impenetrable vault.

Tillman is rooted and a person of depth. I'm a mile wide and an inch deep.

Tillman is a bright light of purpose in a sea of dimly lit candles. I find myself living in a posture of admiration as we do life together.

Now, your turn.

Who is that person for you? And what is it about that person you admire so much?

Now go share with that person. Tomorrow isn't promised.

You see, Tillman and I were at a funeral earlier this week.

A beautiful girl, 3 months away from her 24th birthday, passed away after a tragic car accident.

You can't go to the funeral of someone that young and not question your mortality. Future memories quickly shift from expectations to question marks. Past memories suddenly carry more weight.

She was a devoted daughter to two parents, a present sister to four siblings, an encouraging friend to many, and talented musician to the members of her church.

This community of admirers gathered to celebrate her life. In doing so, they named the things they admired about her...

And then they named the moments she had communicated her admiration for each of them.

Her words had become a treasure of immeasurable value, stored up in the hearts of those she loved. An eternal treasure.

Words have the power to influence and inspire. Connect and commend. You have access to an unlimited treasure to shower on those you love. Why do we so often hoard it to ourselves?

So, again I ask, who is it that you admire?

Go tell them.