Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. –2 Corinthians 1:4
There’s a story of a lady who kept an ordinary cardboard box sitting on a bookcase in her home. The box was filled with notes, cards, and letters, offering love and encouragement at a time when her life was filled with sadness.
She was housebound for several years caring for her husband who had Alzheimer’s disease. As each card arrived, it provided her and her husband with a cheerful message telling of the sender’s prayers, love, and support. The words on the cards were often exactly what she needed to make it through the day.
When her husband passed away, and she moved to rebuild her life without him, she began sending cards to others who were experiencing the same kind of pain, remembering how much they helped her.
It doesn’t take long to send a simple note saying, “I’m praying for you” or “You are in my thoughts today.” With the technological advances of our world today, it’s easy to send someone a quick e-mail of encouragement, but there is still nothing like holding a card in your hand, knowing that the sender took time to think of you and your situation.
George William Childs, American publisher who lived from 1829-1894, once said, “Do not keep the alabaster box of your love and friendship sealed up until your friends are dead. Fill their lives with sweetness. Speak approving, cheering words while their ears can hear them and while their hearts can be thrilled and made happier. The kind things you mean to say when they are gone, say before they go.”
