Remembrance

“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.”—Lamentations 3:22

           Yesterday morning while going through some paperwork in my home office, I ran across some old mail that gave me pause, and caused me to slow down and remember the goodness of the Lord.  As I sorted through what initially appeared to be junk mail that should have long ago been discarded, I discovered a piece of mail I’d sent to my ailing and dearly departed friend *Dee two years ago.  I’d created the cover of it with Valentine’s Day in mind for my church.  The cover bore the simple yet powerful words God laid on my heart that day while putting it together: Jesus Loves You!  I then selected a photo of a beautiful ruby red rose to complete my design.  Sadly this would be the last bulletin I mailed to her.   She was admitted to the hospital for the last time a few days after Valentine's Day, ultimately succumbing to the cancer that metastasized throughout her body, taking her just sixteen days later.   I know it was not by accident that I happened upon that piece of mail.

            As I sat quietly weeping, remembering, and missing my friend, I thanked God for the seven years of friendship we shared.  Then the Holy Spirit gently reminded of the simple words I’d typed on that cover, Jesus Loves You!  Among other things, I ran across a Sunday School lesson I’d taught  in January of that same year, and my first message spoken at a local mission in my hometown of Colorado entitled: He Knows and He Cares.   I’d taken my theme from the words of the prophet Jeremiah chapter 29 and verse eleven where the following words are found:

            “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace and, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”  As I continued to sort through that paperwork and mail, I ran across other reminders of God’s mercy and grace in my life, and reflected on his infinite love.  By my own admission, I realized that I’d become stale and jaded by what sometimes feels like just the ordinary and routine tasks associated with my work as an administrative assistant.  Yet in that moment I was reminded that even the seemingly little things we do in our day to day lives matter.  On that day I remember wanting to express to each and every member and visitor of my church, that not only do I love them, but more than that: Jesus loves them, and that if I could share just a small part of me, and whole lot of Him it was all worth it.  Indeed, God takes the ordinary, and sometimes seemingly insignificant pieces of our lives and uses them to bless others and share His love.