I've been going through some files and found one containing notes and letters from my children, Mother's Day cards and more. One note from Phil was printed in pencil and made me chuckle...he wasn't yet writing in cursive:
"Dear Mom and Dad, I love you. I want to live for Jesus. I am going to be a pilot. You are a good cook. I can't hardly wait till we get our computer. Dad, thank you for reding (reading) my dinasor (dinosaur) book to me. Thank you for making my food. Love, Philip"
A large white envelope was at the back of the file. I knew immediately what it contained.
In 1972 I worked at the Board of Church Extension for the Church of God in Anderson, Indiana. Someone came up with an idea to increase morale among employees. Our families were asked to secretly write to folks who might want to send a letter or card detailing our influence in their lives. As I read through every one of those notes today, I wept again!
A letter from my mother, deceased in 2006 and one from my father, who will be 95 this year...letters from people in India, Japan, Thailand, California, Indiana, and more continue to bless me.
I don't know if any other employees kept their envelopes, but I hope so. Words of appreciation given so long ago still stir my heart.
