Have you ever had this experience? Someone dies — a loved one, a friend — and after the person's death we think about the good things the person has done.

At the funeral someone may even talk about those good things. That is fine, of course, but did we express words of appreciation to the person while he/she was still alive? Words of appreciation about a person spoken after that person's death don’t help him/her. Why don’t we make use of the opportunity more with our loved ones now?

Sometimes, after someone dies, we may feel regret over words we did not speak or actions we did not take. While we cannot make up for things we did not do in the past, we can do things differently in the future. Read Matthew 25:31-46. Jesus told His disciples that the ultimate reward is when we do good to others. "Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren," Christ said, "you did it to Me."

In other words, even though one may not have the opportunity to go back in time and repair the damage done, we can always do good to someone who is in need and still alive. We can do the good to others — even to strangers — that we failed to do to someone who was close to us. In other words, if you have failed to do good or to speak well of someone you love, it's never too late. Turn to those who need your help and your love. Let's remember what the apostle Paul said: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10).

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!