ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER

I took a day off from work a few weeks after Christmas, with the intent of writing my Christmas cards. It was one of those amazing winter weather days we had after Christmas: 70 degrees and full sun. I slept until I awoke, ate when I was hungry, opened the windows and brought out not only the Christmas cards we received in 2004, but also those we’d received in 2003 and 2002.

For the next hours, broken only by a long walk, I spent time with some of the people God has woven into my life, but who are now miles away. My high school friend Carol, still in Ohio – she and I who would walk miles and miles together back in the day when not every teen had access to a car. My college Angel Flight friend Earlene, now retiring from her career as a chemist and moving from her eight-acre Indiana farm. My friend Betty, from NOVA teaching days, now in Tennessee. My friend Diana’s 90-year-old mother, who still signs the cards, but whose daughters write her dictated message. My distant cousin Dee Ann, who with her husband is rebuilding their Florida home destroyed by hurricanes. My college roommate Linda, who left teaching last year because her Multiple Sclerosis became too great a drain on her energies. Ruth, now living in Richmond, but who was part of our St. Mark’s/Good Shepherd Disciple class years ago.

There are those who simply sign their names. There are many who write “newsletters.” There have been weddings of children, divorces, new partners, grandchildren, deaths, diseases, triumphs, scary new beginnings. There are those who ask in concern, “Are you OK?,” not having heard from me last year.

I didn’t write a single Christmas card of my own that day. But I “held” each friend or family member whose card I reread. I revisited those times we have shared. I prayed for them. I was thankful that, by signature or newsletter or written note, they still seek a connection with me. It was a bit of a reunion.

In Thessalonians, Paul writes of a reunion with Jesus. I am thankful for my earthly reunions. For those of us reunion-ing share a history with one another, an encouragement of one another, a knowledge of one another that is part of who we are this moment.

Maybe next week, I’ll begin my own cards . . . .

— Marilyn Dukes Bursch

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist