John worked with my husband, Tom, for years. After he retired, they kept in touch from time to time. In fact, the last time my husband called him was shortly before he died in March. We didn't know.
Today, my husband received a notice of his memorial service, but it was too late. Sadly, we had actually been in the very town for another memorial service the same day. We could have easily made both, if we had been aware.
I called his wife to let her know that we were sorry we hadn't made it and to arrange a visit, soon. That's when she told me that my husband's call, shortly before his death, had meant so much. She said her husband really missed seeing the guys from work. A simple call, and yet, a powerful act of friendship.
This evening, while on facebook, a private message popped up. Years ago, our church had "adopted" a missionary kid. We remembered her birthday and Christmas, among other things. At one time, I assumed the task of keeping in touch with her. The reason she was contacting me is because she had passed our church, weeks earlier, and just wanted to thank me, again, for our church's support. She said it meant so much receiving those care packages from home. It was encouraging to me to have been a part of that and to now receive her thanks, once again.
A call. A letter. A thank you. A private facebook message. What does it cost to keep in touch? Not very much. And. who knows the power these simple acts can have? The next time you think of how much you appreciate what someone has done, or perhaps, given to you, don't keep it to yourself. Even if you have thanked the person, previously, do it again. The next time you think of an old friend, a former neighbor, or that man who was once your pastor, don't let it stop at that. Pick up the phone. Send an email. Make a visit. Touch someone's life, today!
Today, my husband received a notice of his memorial service, but it was too late. Sadly, we had actually been in the very town for another memorial service the same day. We could have easily made both, if we had been aware.
I called his wife to let her know that we were sorry we hadn't made it and to arrange a visit, soon. That's when she told me that my husband's call, shortly before his death, had meant so much. She said her husband really missed seeing the guys from work. A simple call, and yet, a powerful act of friendship.
This evening, while on facebook, a private message popped up. Years ago, our church had "adopted" a missionary kid. We remembered her birthday and Christmas, among other things. At one time, I assumed the task of keeping in touch with her. The reason she was contacting me is because she had passed our church, weeks earlier, and just wanted to thank me, again, for our church's support. She said it meant so much receiving those care packages from home. It was encouraging to me to have been a part of that and to now receive her thanks, once again.
A call. A letter. A thank you. A private facebook message. What does it cost to keep in touch? Not very much. And. who knows the power these simple acts can have? The next time you think of how much you appreciate what someone has done, or perhaps, given to you, don't keep it to yourself. Even if you have thanked the person, previously, do it again. The next time you think of an old friend, a former neighbor, or that man who was once your pastor, don't let it stop at that. Pick up the phone. Send an email. Make a visit. Touch someone's life, today!
So true! Very good advice!
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