It was interesting to listen to the praises being now being heaped on Michael Jackson for his contributions to music and to the world. There was an outpouring of sincere gratitude for the many ways his music and even some of his personal qualities have made a difference in people's lives. My one big takeaway while watching the memorial service last night was that how much more wonderful it is if we are able to honor persons who make a difference in our life, while they are still around and are able to receive our expressions of gratitude and love.
"One of the saddest things in life is a kind word left unsaid," is a saying from a childhood book marker that has stuck in my mind all these years. I use these words to prod me on whenever I hesitate to compliment someone who has influenced my life in a positive way but whom I am quite timid to express my thoughts to. Or, when I am so busy and tempted to put off communicating a praise or a kind word for another day.
Oftentimes, the extra effort to reach out and honor someone actually turns out to be just what the other person needed badly at that moment. Unknown to us, they could be undergoing a low period in their life and our casual affirmations of their good qualities goes a long way in lifting them up. That last kind phrase that we honor them with may make all the difference in their sense of well-being, without our even being aware that that is what would happen.
If only Michael Jackson, who felt ridiculed and judged harshly by the world, was able to hear the volumes of praises and kind words about him that are coming out now. It may have made him less defensive, less wary of everything around him.
This makes me once again resolve to be more generous and spontaneous in honoring and saying kind words to people who have made a difference. Yes, a kind word given to a living person is worth much more than a million praises expressed to one who has already left this world...
Happy honoring!
