Being Remembered
Grace appears just when you need it.
I received a slip of paper in my mail slot at school. A package was being held for me at the post office. No info on the sender or the contents. Just a note to bring my i.d. and come pick it up.
The man in the post office slid the box across the counter. The return address was of a dear friend and former parishioner, but I had no idea what he had sent. He had written on the customs label “religious book.”
I had to wait until I got home to open it. The knife slit the packing tape and released the smell of leather. I saw the red cover and gold-edged pages and thought it might be a Bible. Not a surprising thing to send to a priest, but it seemed like a lot of trouble for Bill to go through, just to make sure I had one here.
I was surprised when I opened the front cover and saw my name, in my own writing, inside. On the reverse side of the page was a note, “From Mom and Dad. For Confirmation Class. 1977.” Bill had tucked a card inside: “. . . I found the Bible that your parents gave you on your Confirmation and felt that it may have been left by accident. If so, here it is. Hope this finds you in good health and top spirits. . .”
What a gift to be remembered–by this friend, generous enough to go to the time and expense to send the book–and to be re-membered, reconnected with this tangible reminder of my parents and their care for me shown by making sure I was confirmed. The Bible was for my class, part of my preparation, not a present once I was done, a way to root me in learning the Bible, which itself connects us with God and people of faith throughout time and the world.
Amy…what a lovely story, as all your posts are. Blessings, Elizabeth
Sent from my iPhone
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Thank you Elizabeth. Something else that makes me smile about this is I must have left that Bible in the sacristy. That instantly makes me think of so many special times preparing for worship with our wonderful servers like you.
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Amy… What a dear story. That was so kind of your friend to send it to you. Hope all is well with you and Joe.. Kathy allan
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Thank you Kathy! Doing well, thank you. hope you are too
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What a great surprise and those types are always good are also needed. I bet you have a few memories of that book!
Godspeed Peter
On Fri, Oct 19, 2018, 10:48 AM Amy and Joe Go to Africa wrote:
> Amy Richter posted: “Grace appears just when you need it. I received a > slip of paper in my mail slot at school. A package was being held for me > at the post office. No info on the sender or the contents. Just a note to > bring my i.d. and come pick it up. The man in the pos” >
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Thank you Peter! Yes–one thing I remember was we had to memorize some Bible verses every week. I highlighted some of them with a bright yellow highlighter. I was not always diligent at doing my memory work, but I was confirmed anyway. More grace. 🙂 God’s blessings to you!
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What a great thing go get in the mail!!! You look very happy. You are so right, grace does appear when you need it. Longer email to come! Love to you and Joe.
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Thank you. Love to you and Seth too.
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What a nice surprise and comforting treasure to be returned to a truly blessed lady!
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Thank you David. A blessing to hear from you too. Peace and joy to you.
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That’s so beautiful! Glad you were reunited with such an important book!
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Thank you Joel!
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