Love Letters

"Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts." Jeremiah 15:16

When Gran and Pop were in the beginning of their dating escapades Pop went away on a long journey to Detroit, Michigan for work; living with family in that area. It was hard for them to be so far apart and unable to see one another, so they began the arduous attempt of writing letters to each other and sending them through the United Postal Service.

They poured their hearts out to one another in script, and I believe this was when the phrase 'distance makes the heart grow fonder' was created. Gran shared these special momentos with me as a young adult. I had the privilege of being able to open, unfold and read the precious words they spoke on paper so many years ago; those pages now yellowing and fragile with age still holds so much emotion and truth of where true love begins. Each letter is a sweet remembrance of a love that began and grew through words of the heart that were separated by a great distance for a short while. I know that Gran soaked in every word and read and re-read every letter multiple times, imagining Pop coming back home to her one day soon. I do not believe the months they were apart so long ago felt short to them at the time, but in the scheme of 59 years of marriage now, it is but a blip on the calendar of their time spent together.

I imagine this was the emotions on the prophet's heart when he was rejoicing in the Lord. "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice!" (Phil. 4:4).

When I read His Word my heart swells with pride, joy and humility because I know it is a love letter to me from my Savior. "This is real love--not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins." (1 John 4:10).

I pray that I would read God's Word over and over and delight in knowing that one day soon we will be reunited with our One true love. That the time we have here (our lifetime) is like sand passing through an hourglass. Everyday is moving so quickly with heaven getting closer with each passing day. "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming." (Matt. 24:42).

My desire is to spend much of my time in His presence, soaking in the promises of His Word. Reading and re-reading His love letter to me (the Bible). "But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night." (Ps. 1:2).

Find time to sit in God's presence and read His love letter to you. Allow Him to fill you with so much joy because of His promises that you overflow with His goodness. My prayer is that your cup runneth over (Ps. 23:5).

I love you & He loves you more!

Lord, May we rejoice in You always. May we sit at Your feet and absorb Your goodness and mercy. Help us to read and draw wisdom from what You would have us to know and understand. Place a hunger in us for Your Word. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Happy Anniversary Mama and Daddy!