I have a new friend. Her name is Blynn. I only see her once a week but I look forward to seeing her because I’m so happy when I’m with her. She’s so full of life. I keep thinking I need to call her and invite her to come for a cup of tea but somehow I just don’t get around to it. Things keep getting in my way and I know I’ll see her on Sunday.
A few days ago the phone rang and it was Blynn. What a nice surprise, I thought. After we exclaimed about how cold it was and talked about how we’d spent Christmas and New Years, she gave the reason she called. She said, “I just made biscuits for our breakfast and I thought ‘I wish Mary Ann lived next door because I could call her to come over and enjoy them with me.’ That led me to think about you, Mary Ann, and how glad I am that I know you. I decided to call you and tell you that you have brought such joy into my life. I look forward to seeing you each week.”
Well, you can imagine how that made me feel. I was joy-full all day just from those words from Blynn’s heart. I had thought the same about her but I hadn’t taken the time to tell her.
I have never had trouble telling people I love that I love them. (In fact, I’m afraid I tell them so much I sometimes wonder if it doesn’t mean as much any more.) I don’t think of telling them WHY I love them. I’m going to risk doing just that. And not only that, I plan to tell people why I like going with them to a movie, or being their partner at cards, or seeing them at the grocery store , the fitness center, etc., of how I look forward to being with them and why. I would like to see the surprise and (I hope) happiness it might bring them. I know it will made me happy to see it.
Is this risky business? I don’t know. If it isn’t, then why don’t we do it more?
Join me?
Mary Ann Taylor is a retired banker who's embarrassed to be technoligically illiterate, but proud to be Laura's mother. She realizes that at her advanced age, she's done more risking than she has yet to do, but is willing to risk this.
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What a wonderfully “mindfulness” reminder ! Telling people “why” you enjoy them is paying attention in a new way. I love this . . . but then, I love you . . . because your heart is so open!
This is a lovely thought, Mary Ann. Just last week I had tea with a friend, who emailed later and said specifically why she enjoyed getting together. We’ve been friends for decades, but it was so nice to hear such specific sentiments. I shall follow the example the two of you have set and “get specific” with friends more often!
Such a beautiful concept. To acknowledge people for specifically who they are, what we see in them… this is much more than a “concept,” it’s a ministry. It’s a powerful, uplifting action — thank you for the reminder.
I love you, Mary Ann, because you are so delightful, sweet and thoughtful. And you have welcomed me genuinely, your openness is inspiring.
This was such a sweet message. It IS a risk because sometimes people get uncomfortable with such disclosures. I find it disappointing when that happens. It’s usually a sign that the new friendship isn’t going to deepen. I feel sad for those who have such a hard time accepting compliments.
The risk pays off, though, when a friend responds with happiness. In my experience, those people are the “keepers”, and our relationships become deeper because of the disclosure.
So, yes, Mary Ann, I am happy to join you in this. It’s such a lovely thing to do. With one effort, two people can be brought to smiles.
Love, love, love this – love, love, love you!!! And so proud to be your daughter. Amen.