Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?

In my last post I admitted that I enjoy receiving compliments and words of encouragement. Well, guess what – I’m not alone!

I have received numerous responses to my July 28 blog post. People have commented on how I reminded them that we need to share love as much as we need to receive it. That got me thinking about lots of things …

I attended an Irish funeral for a friend’s mother a few years ago. As a meditation after Communion, the deceased requested that someone play the James Taylor song, “Shower the People You Love With Love.” The deceased had been introduced to the song through one of her grandchildren and she thought the lyrics were a powerful reminder for all of us. The second half of the chorus goes “Shower the people you love with love. Show them the way you feel. Things are gonna be much better if you only will.”

I love James Taylor, and I love that song. It makes me think of the importance of community and engagement with others. (I think that’s why I like Facebook so much – it allows you to stay in touch with so many people you have met through the years.) It also makes me think of how well I have (or have not) shown love to those around me.

I presided at a Communion Service on Thursday and gave a reflection on the readings of the day, which speak of the final judgement and how God will evaluate the good and the bad in our lives. I encouraged those attending the Service to perform an examination of conscience for the past 24 hours and to identify the times they turned their hearts toward God and His work, and the times they turned their hearts away from God in sin or selfishness. I, too, need to follow that advice and reflect on the good in my life and how to correct the bad. One think I can always work on is assuring that I demonstrate love and compassion in my life.

Rod Stewart recorded a song titled, “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You.” While I am less a Rod Stewart fan than a James Taylor, I believe that Stewart’s song also serves as a good reminder take time to let people know how you appreciate them, care for them, and love them.

This my prayer for today: That I take time to regularly assess my relationships with all of the people who touch my life. In word and in action I want to show them that I truly value them and love them. As James Taylor says, “Things are going be much better if [I] only will!”

Be at peace, and know that you are loved!