This morning I feel led to share with you my basket of memories. Years ago I cleaned for a lady in my neighborhood named Gwen. She was super sweet and very organized. In her living room was a large decorative container that held cards, lots of cards. She said she kept them there so she could go back and read them. Me being a card writing, stationary loving, pen pal freak thought that was one of the neatest ideas I had ever seen ... thus I began my own card basket. I must say I had always kept all my cards, but they weren't out in public view. All of my cards were stored in plastic containers under my bed. Not anymore, Gwen had just opened my eyes to a very meaningful display of love. I put the basket in our sitting room next to the love seat and every time a birthday card, anniversary card, thank you note, Christmas card, etc. comes for any of us it goes in the basket. Pictured above are two very special stacks of cards. The ones on the left started coming in November 24, 2006 after my dad died, the ones on the right arrived after May 28, 2008 when my father-in-law died. I can't tell you how many times I've referred back to the basket to read the sweet notes of sympathy others sent to help us grieve our loss. What a comfort even years later.
Just yesterday I attended the funeral of my friend Louan's mom, Mrs. Martha Waldrop. Mrs. Martha and I have known each other since Louan and I became friends at church. I'd see Mrs. Martha at her grandsons birthday parties, at church events or just around town. She served in the Children's ministry at our church and was in her place this past Sunday teaching 3 year olds. I remember when my dad died Mrs, Martha, sent a sweet sympathy card and again when Chris's dad died another card came in the mail. She and her husband sent cash in one and a gift card to a restaurant in the other, to help feed us in our time of need. That was the kind of woman she was. Martha worked behind the scenes in her service to the Lord and was happy doing things that way. I, too, like to work behind the scenes. I don't care who knows what I'm doing as long as I know I'm doing what the Lord wants me to do. It's all for His glory anyway, not mans. Yesterday Martha was honored in a way that I think she would be proud of ... a way I would be proud to be honored when my time comes. Don't ever think a good deed or a kindness goes unseen, God knows. My goal in sharing this with you today is two fold; number one, if you are a person who throws away your cards let me ask you to reconsider and start a basket of memories. On days when you feel blah you can go to your basket and pull out a funny birthday card or silly note and be reminded of the people around you who love you and took time to show their love through that card. My second point is take time to make a difference in this world even if you and God are the only ones who know. Send cards, make visits or phone calls (do stuff behind the scenes for others) you will be blessed. Life is really short ... eternity is really long and only what we do for eternity counts anyway. I sincerely, love you all and thank you for taking time to read what I have to say. I pray the Lord will use my words to encourage you on this journey.
Go be a blessing...
