Before I share with you all whats on my heart I wanna give a shout out to those of you who have asked or encouraged me about this column. I dont take your encouragement for granted, thanks for all the kindness. It is also worth mentioning that I appreciate the editor of this paper so much. Ann Swinderman gives me space if I dont feel I have anything to say- words have weight and are important and I dont want to ever write just to write. That would waste your time and mine.
As I have thought about your inquires to where I have been- tears brush the edges of my eyelashes. You all, just by asking, have made me feel a sense of value. Caused me to walk away with a feeling in my chest of, Lee Ann you matter to people. And so with that in mind Ive thought- What would I say to people if it were the last thing I would write?
So here it goes. If we dont ever meet, and I never type another thing, here are some things I would like you to know.
God planned for you, you are here for a purpose. And He loves you, just the way you are right now. Relish each day you live and breathe. Talk less. Listen more. Dont go to bed angry. Share life with more people than you planned on. Dont judge, youve only walked in your own set of shoes.
Be careful with your words, people are hurting at some level. Dont speed in school zones, the tickets are brutal. Eat good food with people you love. Eat good food with people you should love. Care about the widow and the single Mom. And then do something about it. Look after orphans, that donation matters.
Give more than you thought you would. Dont replace the Internet for in real life human beings. Have wise, trustworthy people in your life. Have people that are a mess in your life- one day you may have a mess too. Share the things that are precious to you. Dont give a gift you wouldnt want yourself. Sleep in sometimes. Dont throw away the favorite sweatshirt; it has too many memories that you wear with it. Buy a nice pillow and decent bath towels. Invite more people over no matter how the house looks, people remember the love not the house. Dont think youre better or more spiritual than other people. Wear humility.
Dont let the work you do be your identity. Dont be afraid to try. Always choose butter. Work on the inside of you even more than the outside. Dont search for your significance, acceptance and security in people or your job. Get a mentor. Have a counselor. Treat other people with thoughts like, would I want to be treated this way? If you are younger than 45, spend time with people older than 60, dont underestimate the wisdom of the generation before you. Invest in the younger generation; they will lead on after you are gone. Give your best to your family and friends. Dont smoke or drink too much, it doesnt usually end well. Dont keep secrets, they hold you back. Believe in miracles. Notice the sunshine and feel it too. Read. A lot. Cut up the credit cards.
Travel. Talk to people who dont believe the way you do. Eat good cake. Hug your kids. And your spouse. If your gonna sing in the shower, give it all ya got.
Walk through life realizing how fast it goes. Dream big. Love even bigger. Stand for what is right no matter how hard. Tell Jesus everything, Hes listening and can do something about it.
Stick a Fork into everything listed above. I love you all!
