Ruth was worried. I don’t remember what it was exactly, some bout of illness. It was pulling her into a pit of fear. Then one day, the mail brought a card from a friend.
“Look what I got!” she said, retrieving the flower-decked card from the table to show me. “Look what it says!”
She held it up and read it to me with a great big, excited grin. “You are stronger than anything life brings your way.”
“That’s just what I needed to hear!” she said.
Somebody cared. Somebody sent her a reminder. And it made all the difference in her world.
You can find a lot of messages in that little story. Pick the ones that speak most directly to you.
For me, it was the message that we all need encouragement. We all want to know that someone cares about us, believes in us, and sees our strengths.
We’re living in uncertain times, in a world smeared with conflict and confusion. Threats to our safety and well-being assail us from every direction. The demands of everyday living eat up our energy, leaving us drained and weary at the end of the day. It’s hard to be at peace.
But here are some reminders for you, some things I know about you, even if we’ve never met. I send them to you as if I were sending you a fine greeting card . . .
You are stronger than anything life can throw at you.
You are free to chose who you will be, and how you will respond to things.
You have skills and talents you can use and grow.
You can think.
You can create.
You have a great laugh.
You strive to be more patient with others and with yourself.
You follow the good examples of people you admire.
You have a generous and compassionate heart.
You spend time with those you love.
You do your best to do your best, even on the bad days.
You notice nature’s beauty.
You find rewards in extending kindness to others.
You spread cheer with your smile.
You give of your time.
You share your abundance.
You appreciate life’s gifts.
You aim to find the good in every situation.
You see the goodness in others, and in yourself.
You increasingly accept responsibility for your life, for your emotions, thoughts and actions.
You enjoy learning about things that interest you.
You dream of a better world for all.
And you are, whether you know it or not, deeply and truly loved.
Wishing you peace and renewal, and a beautiful day.
Warmly,
Susan