Seventy Letters

My wife and I were born in the same year but not in the same month. Recently I celebrated my 70^th birthday in August and my wife will hit a similar milestone in November. We met during our freshman year at Scottsdale High when we were 14 years old and we got married after I finished college when we were 20! Now we are looking forward to celebrating our 50^th anniversary next June. How did we get this far this fast?

A few months ago I got an idea to do something special for her birthday this year. I sent out a number of emails asking friends, former co-workers, church members and others to write Jeanne a letter and share how she has touched their lives.

My goal was to collect at least 70 letters so I could read one-a-day for 70 days leading up to her 70^th birthday in November. The response has been wonderful. Over 100 people have sent cards and letters so far. A friend printed out the email letters and I collected the cards and we put them in an attractive box that I presented to my wife in August. She was very surprised!

Now, we read a card or letter each day. I personally read them to her so I can see what people have written. The contents of each letter is so precious. People have shared specific stories of how Jeanne has touched their life. We have smiled and laughed as we read each encouraging card and letter.

Do you know the Bible contains many personal letters that men like Peter, Paul and James wrote to individuals and churches to encourage them? And, Paul expected the recipients to pass his letters on to other churches, too (Colossians 4:16).

Let me encourage you to write a letter or send a card to a friend or family member. Tell them how they have touched your life. Share how they have encouraged you. You don’t have to wait for a birthday or special occasion. Do it this week. They will be glad you did and you will too!

For 365 more encouraging articles and stories by the author (one for each day of the year) you can purchase a copy of his book Let Me Encourage You. The cost is $25 and includes postage. Contact him at markh@efreedb.org.