Speak up

Have you ever had something on the tip of your tongue but chose not to say it so as not to rock the boat? I think we’ve all had that experience.

Earlier this week in his minute homily, Father Mike Schmitz made a profound statement that will stay with me for a long time. He said it on Monday, and when he said it again on Tuesday, I thought there was a glitch in the Hallow software because it was the same minute homily from the day before. Then I realized it was a special message to me so I would not forget what he said. And this is what he said:

“I love you enough to speak when something needs to be said.”

As the week continued, the statement became more important and meaningful. Manuel lives at the end of my street. Mrs tVM and I see him often as we ride our tricycles past his house during our morning ride. Yesterday he asked for help. Manuel is 81 years old and lives by himself. He has three vehicles in his front yard. He explained that none of them work and he wanted to know if I could take him down to a rental agency so he could rent a car.

When I told him most rental agencies would probably come and pick him up, he told me his phone didn’t work. People could call him, but he was unable to call out. I asked more questions and found that one of the vehicles, a 1993 Nissan truck, worked but he had lost the key. I suggested we get a locksmith to come out and make a key, which might be cheaper than renting a car for a week. He agreed. When I learned that his computer does not work, I told him I would go home and find a locksmith and return in 30 minutes or so.

I called four locksmiths before I found one that would work on a vehicle older than 1997. As I was about to close the deal, Mrs TVM cautioned me not to do it until I had discussed the price with Manuel. I was irritated, but she was right. I got on my trike, headed back up the street and confirmed with Manuel that he would like the locksmith to come out and fix it at the quoted price.  Within 45 minutes, the locksmith was on site, and within two hours, he had the ignition key made. While Manuel has many issues to deal with including getting his phone fixed, he is delighted that he has transportation now. We will keep an eye on him.

Indeed, Mrs tVM loves me enough to speak when something needed to be said. She was not reluctant to rock the boat. She did the right thing.

Father Mike’s advice Is applicable to all aspects of our lives. Keep it in mind when something needs to be said.

I love you enough to speak when something needs to be said.