Speaking for the Speechless

I spoke at a memorial service today for my sailing buddy. Bob had wanted to sail his whole life and upon retirement had the opportunity. I had the privilege of learning with Bob in those early years of sailing. His wife wanted someone from his sailing circle to speak. I felt honored to tell some sailing stories and talk about my friend.

Several people came to me after the service and expressed gratitude for my words. It touched me and caused me some thought. In the service I made the comment, “If I had to choose one word to describe Bob, I would choose the the word 'gracious'.” I heard an audible, collective gasp in the audience, and could see the word hit them. All felt the same and knew that I had hit upon the right word. His wife shook her head in acknowledgment and tears came to her eyes. I went on to tell some sailing stories illustrating his graciousness (see yesterday's blog).

Other people felt what I felt. I put it into words for them. Most times I think that I write for me to express my thoughts. Often I think about the people for whom I write. I have never thought of writing as me expressing thoughts and feelings for others. When you work on your particular craft, you develop an ability to do something that others may not have the ability to do for themselves. Today, I spoke for others. I expressed their thoughts, their emotions, and their connections with others.

I need remember this lesson. I write for others, but I express words for the entire human race. I have seen the same in music. I can't make the music, but I trust others who have chosen that endeavor to sing and play for me. I can't do pottery, but the potter expresses what I can't. I can't work on my car either. I depend on the creative mechanic to communicate with the beast.

If you have no desire to live the creative life for yourself, think about living it for others. You creative outlet gives you a unique opportunity to express what others cannot express for themselves. I speak much about writing because I have chosen that avenue. Your creative expession may lie more along the lines of drying flowers. Use it to capture the beauty that I don't know how to capture.