I opened Dad’s desk recently and found hundreds of random note cards. Some were covered in images of nature; others were blank white cards or cards printed with words like thank you or I love you. Opening this drawer triggered memories of my dad writing to me every day when I was in Germany. He made a goal to send me a note Monday through Friday, either a postcard or a long letter or just a picture card with a brief loving message.

Dad sent hundreds of letters to people, a short reminder that he loved and believed in them. I know many of you reading this have been a recipient of his notes and have, in turn, written to us during this time. I have a huge basket of cards from those who sent a letter to dad before he died or to mom and me during this time. A letter is something tangible, and that can be re-read again and again.

Dad would come to scripture to listen for God’s message to him and listen for a message to give to others. He would pray for insight on how to show love for someone else. This practice of listening for God’s message, and sharing love with others, reminds me of the importance of doing this in my life.

In a staff meeting at NBC Camps this week, I brought out some of Dad’s note cards and asked each member to think of someone they needed to thank and write. Dad had a way of making cards or notes uniquely personal. His letters didn’t seem monotonous to me, but each one made me feel more loved. I think he worked hard to know how to love people in the language they needed to hear.

Who do you know that needs a loving letter?

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” – 1 John 3:1

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