Something Worth Saving

As my parents age and their minds fail, I cling to dear memories and hand-written notes on greeting cards. I can’t recall exactly when they started adding their own sentences to the cards they sent me as an adult. It doesn’t matter. What matters is that they did.

They shared their heart in their own way….to my brothers and me, to our spouses, and to our children. Everyone looked forward to their own card because of the personalized message— considered words from their heart.

When writing became too challenging, the cards stopped. This change was sobering, to realize how much I looked forward to their written words just for me. Thank goodness, I had stashed old cards as something worth saving because now those are treasure.

For birthdays, Valentine’s Day and other special occasions, Terrell and I write cards to our children. Nothing fancy or formal. We tell them what we like about them, what we love. We share how we’ve seen them grow and how proud we are. We encourage their strengths. We celebrate the good and mark memories.

The great thing about writing notes is that we pause.
Thinking about what we want to say, memories come. An overall picture emerges, blanketing frustrating incidences or lingering trials…  We remember our purpose, to be a blessing. To bless.

“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” (Proverbs 11.25)

Whether your child is a baby or an adult, consider writing a letter of love and encouragement. Make it a new tradition. Give your child something to read and reread. Something worth saving.