Write down for the coming generation what the LORD has done, so that people not yet born, will praise Him (Psalm 102:18 GNT) .
When someone we love leaves us a note, it's special. We read it and tuck it away somewhere to keep it safe like our Bible. Later, the words written years earlier, may have new meaning and the note becomes precious because the writer has left this world, leaving behind their sweet words to us.
They may express love or instructions on how to understand what they've written. Either way, seeing their distinct handwriting specifically written to us is enough to bring up a flood of memories and deep grief.
The note from Mom was tucked away in my Bible for years. At some point, I put it in a binder of writings Dad had given me. She must have left the note on the counter or table for me when she came to visit in Tennessee and got up early to leave without saying 'Goodbye'.
Dad left this world in 2019. Mom left in 2022. The words she wrote in the note stating she'd call 'when we get home' mean something different now. It hits me straight in the heart because they're now both home in Heaven. There will be no more notes to tuck safely away.
As much as seeing their writing touches my heart and grieves my soul at the same time, I'm so happy they left me notes. And I'm happy I kept them. Their written words are like having a conversation with them again even though they're no longer here.
In 2004, on a visit home to Missouri, Dad handed me this packet of his writings and said, "Maybe you might do something with them."
A sweet gift to trust me with what he'd written.
Some years have passed since then and honestly, I misplaced this packet of papers at one point because we moved a few times. I fretted about them as Dad was going downhill with Alzheimer's. It scared me thinking I'd possibly lost them. Then one day, I found the packet by accident searching for a book in the garage. I ran into the house with it and read some of his words and discovered him in his writing. His words were written before the disease ravaged his mind so finding the packet was like finding a treasure. There was my sweet daddy again speaking about things and I always loved to hear what he had to say.
I discovered Dad had written some pretty interesting stuff and I believe I will do something with it just as he suggested.
To honor both of them, my plan is to take his writing, re-write it into a manuscript, and self-publish it for his other children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. So, they will know him better and have access to some of his deepest thoughts and insights about life and God's work in his life. Truly a treasure to anyone who would like to read it one day when I get it completed.
Like Dad left His writings behind for His child, God has done the same thing for His children.
Our Heavenly Father left us an incredible gift - the Bible. His Words to us for this life. A history full of foretelling pictures of how He would redeem us back to Himself through Jesus.
Life will NEVER be the same if we seek Him where He can be found - in His writings. When we ask Him to help us understand His Words - He will.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him. So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:7-12 NIV).
Our Father has left us a note. A love note. He knows how to give good gifts to His children. Read His love letter and know Him.
PS. To those who didn't have a perfect parent growing up . . . neither did I.
They did their best as I did with my children but many mistakes were made in the struggles of life. Now that I'm grown and have raised a family, I understand how difficult some moments in life can be.
Life is not easy but we should honor our parents for doing the best they were capable of and letting us know their love even in the trying times of life.
But I also know I was blessed having the parents God gave me and I'm grateful.
Your message hit home for me, Melinda. My parents left lots of papers, not so much in personal letters, but more historical things. But each time I see my mother's writing I am comforted (although I still miss her so much). The last part of your message touched a painful spot. My dad was a hard taskmaster with a bad temper. Your reminder that "he did the best he could" helps me try to not focus so much on thos painful memories but to remember his good characteristics. Thank you.
I love what you've written about your parent's love letters and God's love letters to us. It's beautiful, Melinda! Thank you so much for writing it. I'm typing this while crying tears of joy 🥲❤️.