Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Dear Me, .........

It had to come eventually. I've felt the question hanging in the air for at least a week. I've seen the uncomfortable look as my husband, Derek, glanced at the mantle over the fireplace, his eyes passing from one end to the other. It was really just a matter of time before it would accidentally pop out. "Are you ever going to take your birthday cards down from there?" Yes, just like my mother, I have a ritual of displaying birthday cards from anyone and everyone so that they can be shared by all. Usually, I put them away within a few days, but this year they have lingered a bit longer. Actually, I turned 35 three weeks ago, so for Mr. Clean, this bit of clutter has long overstayed its welcome. As usual, I felt the need for some personal over-analysis to discover why I have kept these love notes and happy wishes around for so long. The truth is, when we write down our feelings for others, we are usually more free than when we speak face to face. Come on girls...who hasn't fired off the over-emotional email only to regret it later? Written notes of affection often say more than we would dare say aloud. When was the last time you told someone, "I thank God for the day you were born," or, "You have brought so much joy to my life" out loud? Deeper still, how many of us could say or write these words of love and encouragement to ourselves? This week I gave myself the challenge to replace my birthday cards from others with a note to myself. For all that I can give to those I care about, I had a really hard time giving it to myself. It went something like this. "Dear Jennifer, ........um.........hey girl!......hmmmm......" So I challenge you all to join me in the card-writing task. What do you think of yourselves? Who does God say you are? Would your card to yourself say, "Dear Christy, you are a true and loyal friend, " or, "Tiff, do you know how valuable you are?" How about saying, "Patti, you are standing on the edge of an amazing future?" Can you give yourself the gift of love and affirmation today? Will you ask your Creator to unveil your eyes and show you the real miracle of you? I'd better get to thinking, because I, for one, have a card to write!

4 comments:

  1. so good...however, i don't think 3 weeks is too long for the birthday card display... i'm just sayin! love you!

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  2. I agree writing someone a card or note is the most warm fuzzy thing that you can receive. I leave mine up for 3 weeks also ;) and I am not 35. Just because everytime I look at it it warms my heart. I actually any sweet note people write me I usually will hang it on the fridge for when the Devil comes a long and tells me the opposite I can look at that and remember....I am at least changing one life so I am going to keep on keeping on.

    I am glad you enjoyed my blog. I get a lot of messages for preaching through shoes how funny is that? The Lord talks to us all in different ways, but the good thing He is always talking if we are listening.

    Love you girl glad you are my bloggy friend and real one too!

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  3. He would say to YOU...You are awesome! You delivered just the message Patti needed to hear! Once again, my friend you rocked my world! Oh and I'm not 35 but I leave my BD cards up for 3+ weeks too! Sometimes I save them for later reference. I guess I'm just hooked on encouragement! You are such a blessing....I'm going to start writing my own notes of encouragement (from the Lord)!
    Happy Belated Birthday!
    Patti

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  4. Check out my blog because you HAVE to come to conference this June!! You would reall love love love it!

    :D

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