The Faded Notecard
Years ago I was a young Mom with two small children at home. My days were busy working full time, serving as Music Director at our church and partnering with my husband in raising our two children.
Life was crazy. (In a good way!) But sometimes the crazy got overwhelming. Like the day my sweet toddler put her snowsuit, mittens, hat and boots in the sink with the dishes that were soaking because she was trying to help Mommy who had said I needed to wash her dirty garments. Maybe the time my inquisitive son swallowed a coin and it lodged in his wind pipe. There was also the night I fell down the stairs and broke my leg while my husband was still at work. That required asking my then just-turned-five-year-old to stand on a chair in order to reach the phone and call friends to come to our rescue.
Some days, I remembered God was in control and I let Him handle things. Other days would have me in tears, sobbing under the covers.
Yet, I will never forget one of those ridiculously chaotic days that a card arrived in the mail from our sweet church secretary, Jodee. The simple script on the front of it said the following:
“Because God orders our steps we can always be assured that there is enough time in each day to do His will. He sets the pace. He is never anxious. His purpose is for us to move in rest, live in peace, abound in joy, and depend on Him to accomplish all He desires.” (Roy Lessin)
Those few words, emblazoned across a piece of 5x7 cardstock brought me to tears that day. Someone saw me; then took time with the simple act of signing and mailing a card to offer encouragement.
That encouragement has stayed with me for years. A few days afterwards I framed those words. Now, at least two and a half decades later, the faded script still hangs in my bathroom. A reminder to trust God, but also a reminder that we never know the impact of a few moments of our time.
When I think about scripture, many of the letters Paul wrote contain words of encouragement. He was supporting them during times of hardship. He wanted to remind them of truths so that they were strengthened in their faith.
I Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another, and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (NIV)
Just yesterday, two kind friends (without knowing about each other) found me in the midst of an extremely long and difficult day, and delivered small notecards. They were short and simple~ reminding me they were praying for me! I cannot tell you how much this small act of kindness buoyed me! It probably didn’t take them long to jot them, but they meant the world to me that I was seen, remembered and cared for in the most special way ~ by bringing me before the throne of our Heavenly Father.
So, thank you to my encouragers! The people mentioned here and many others along the journey.
You have all reminded me of how much I am loved.
It also reminded me to be an Encourager. It takes only a few moments to send a text, make a phone call, write a note card…
Who knows, that little card might just become a faded wall hanging some day.
