People told me there would be many “firsts” in the months following the death of my wife. Our first wedding anniversary without her. Our first Thanksgiving and Christmas without her. I’m sure there will be many more.
Recently I celebrated my first birthday without my wife. We were married for over fifty years. It was a tender day filled with many emotions. Sometimes I shake my head in disbelief. Even though I am comforted to know she is in heaven I still feel a deep sense of loss not having her here with me.
I was overwhelmed by the number of birthday cards that came in the mail this year I also received many text messages and phone calls. People were very kind and thoughtful
In addition a man from our church called me a few days before my birthday to inform me he was personally making an apple pie for me. He makes the best apple pies in town. Jim said he didn’t want to give the pie to me at church where people might want a slice. So we planned a covert operation to meet in the parking lot on Sunday after church and secretly transfer the pie from the trunk of his car to the trunk of my car.
I also received a text message from a woman and her daughter who left a gift by my front gate. I didn’t know they were coming so the gate was locked. But I knew immediately what they had left. It was a small box of the best Chocolate Cookies in town. Judy and Madison had given me some cookies in the past and I often reminded them I would be glad to enjoy more when they baked another batch. It meant so much that they would share this thoughtful gift on my birthday.
There is a verse in the Bible that says, “Encourage one another and build up one another just as you have been doing” (First Thessalonians 5:11). There are people all around you who are discouraged and going through difficult times. They may be facing some “firsts” in their own life. Let me encourage you to mail a card, send a text, make a call or bake a pie or a batch of cookies to lift up someone who is feeling down. You will be glad you did and they will too.
You can read 365 more stories by the author in his book Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper. The cost is only $20 plus shipping ($5). Order your copy today at markh@efreedb.org.
Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper 
This one was so appropriate! I loved it! Hope you’re well!
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