Had the occasion to send out quite alot of thank you cards this week, but they couldn't be the kind I just dashed off on any old card at hand. You see, we left our church on Sunday, our home for the entire 15 years of our marriage, and it was incredibly heart-wrenching. Michael was born into that church, and I came at age 18, a silly college sophomore, so we both really grew up there.
Sometimes obeying God hurts. We'd felt for a couple years that we really needed to be in a church that was in the community where we lived and worked, but we resisted it because our little church 35 minutes' drive away really, truly needed us. And we couldn't bear to leave so many positions short-handed. But there comes a point when knowing what you should do, and not doing it, becomes sinful, and we were past that point. So we had to put the Andersons and our dearest of in-laws and the rest of our beloved church family into His hands, say goodbye to the building we had laboured over, the ministries we had cried and prayer over, the sweet little babies in the nursery and all the rest. Thanked Him for the precious gift of family that they were and will always be to us, and followed on.
It was a difficult four weeks of goodbyes. I see now I had been subconsciously saying goodbye for months, pulling back, distancing myself. I had alot to say to some of these people, but I couldn't always manage it to their faces.
So I put it in their cards, cards I hope they'll keep and smile through tears at and pray over, like I do the beautiful ones they gave us, that now line our "mantel" (the top of the entertainment center). None of those are handmade, but IT DOESN'T MATTER. People, write it on notebook paper, newsprint, paper napkins, even Post it Notes like my mom does, but WRITE IT. Stop worrying about your handwriting, all you journalling-phobic scrapbookers. WRITE IT. Put your heart on a piece of paper and hand it to someone you love and care about. WRITE IT. Tuck it in that album and glue it down for your grandkids to read when you are nothing but a warm remembered hug and a cherished family recipe.
We pour ourselves heart and soul into creating this gorgeous fancy card, and then we either never send it, or we pull punches when we write. And what we truly felt and meant doesn't ever make it into the other person's heart.
I talk a lot about the cards. I love cards. My whole life is consumed with cards. But honestly? It's not about the cards. It's about you, and me, giving a little piece of our hearts to another person.
Beautiful and well said my friend! Sometimes the most difficult decisions are the most rewarding.
off to write some notes that I keep putting off/forgetting to do. Thanks for the lovely reminder.
Lyssa, this post is beautifully written. You are in my prayers.
Speechless in WYOMING. . .How did you KNOW I needed a good kick to get me going on my “memoirs” via MDS????!!!! You have ALWAYS taken my breath away. Today you did it again! 🙂 Love, Mom
*hugs*
Very Well Said, Sweet Friend… Write it Down… You are ALWAYS an Inspiration to me…. Hugs to you and your family…. Always in my Heart,
Faith
No dad watching his child win an olympic medal could be prouder than I am.
You truly are an inspiration. Walking the path that God has for you brings incredible joy, and yet it can be difficult. I am so glad that you made the time to share a portion of your heart with those you love and have served with for so long. Those will be treasures for certain. 🙂
I heartily agree with all the previous comments. You have a gift, my friend, of saying just what people need to hear. You’ll never know how much you inspire all of us who read your blog faithfully. You’re right, it’s not about stamping, it’s about people and connecting with them. For that, I’m grateful to know you.
well thx a BUNCH for messing up my mascara. :> that was awesome. totally awesome and totally from your heart of hearts. i am so reminded of Maya Angelou’s quote of “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” and i know how your words made me feel. God moves in mysterious ways…doesn’t He? thank you lyssa for sharing what was in your heart. your words, as of tonight, will go up on my bulletin board where i make cards. as my youngest grandson says, ROCK ON!! your words do matter! Bev
Awesome post. Do good. You said it well.
God is using you for so much Lyssa. Thanks for being willing to share with us. I am inspired today to take time to write notes. Thanks for being such an encouragement!
Kristen