First United Methodist Church Carrollton

            Just recently I was reminded that it can be our simplest and smallest acts that can make a difference to someone else.  I had been praying for a friend in England and decided to send her a quick letter.  A little later I received a six page handwritten letter back from her.  The letter began: 

My dear Keva,

            I can’t begin to tell you how welcome your lovely letter was.  It came at a time when I was particularly low-spirited and it made me feel that everything was possible again.  It was almost as if you were sitting by me and comforting me.  How did you know I was in such desperate need? ...

            It was such a simple act on my part, but obviously it made a big difference to her.  I realized that it was probably the Holy Spirit which had moved me to write the note in the first place and somehow took my limited words and spoke to her heart in just the right way.

            Then this week I received a “Thinking of You” card from my mother’s cousin (so does that make her my second cousin?).  Her father had passed away earlier this year at the ripe old age of 101 – a wonderful godly man - Uncle Kirk. Uncle Kirk and Aunt Mae lived a distance away so we did not see them that often when I was growing up.  Apparently they had sent me a pin when I was a child and I had written a thank you note.  In it I had written how I had worn the pin to a football game and I was sure that a certain cute boy had noticed it.  I rambled on about other important things in my life (from my young perspective) and even sent them a poem and a picture I had drawn of a pig.  The date on my letter to Uncle Kirk and Aunt Mae was – September 2, 1967 - 9:30 p.m. Wow!  What a surprise.  It was not that special of a letter, yet he had kept it all these years.  It must have meant something to him.  (Or maybe he recognized my talent as a poet and artist!  J )

            You never know when your note or call or words of kindness, will touch someone else.  Maybe this Christmas instead of going out shopping for a gift you might consider instead how a simple note might make a difference to someone else.  Just think how your words would be treasured if you took the time to let a family member or friend know that you are thinking of them and truly care.  Of course….it never hurts to put a priceless piece of artwork or a poem in with the note!