1-5-03, Sunday Journal
A LETTER FROM MAMA
By Dalton Roberts
IPS Features
I want to share something very
special with you today, my dear friends. A letter of 1-5-88 from my mother. She
died in August of that year but this is the kind of letter she wrote me all my
life, no matter where I lived, no matter my circumstances. Maybe it will prompt
you to write someone you love today and maybe 14 years from now they will be
sharing it with the people they love:
"Thank you for performing for the old folks. One of them called me and was
excited about seeing and hearing you. She said so many of them were in pain but
they forgot their pain for a while.
So many people are buried alive in their pains and operations. People who suffer
have to talk about it at times but I always remember Jesus saying 'I have come
that your joy might be full.' Then I start thinking of times when my joy was
full.
Like when I was a girl and laid down by Bramlett Springs and listened to the
music of the water rushing over the rocks as it flowed from a ledge. I'd lie
down on my belly and drink that wonderful, sparkling water. In the evenings I'd
walk down into the pines and listen to the wind play its music through the
needles and all of the birds coming in and singing their goodnight songs.
I'm so glad God taught me to appreciate simple things. I have never coveted
worldly things because God showed me a better way, praise His name.
I remember all the joys and God lets me hide under His wings when I remember the
sorrows. I am His child and nothing can separate me from Him.
I am proud of all your achievements but most of all I am proud you have stayed
your own self. That has been your crowning glory. Strangely, it is the hardest
thing for one to achieve.
When I married your Dad, I almost worshipped him until I found I could not live
up to all his scales and yardsticks. I decided to just be me and that was the
best decision I ever made. I found out people can agree to disagree and that was
a fine foundation to build an understanding relationship upon.
May our precious Savior keep you and give you wisdom and grace and great joy and
peace and make you shine in the darkest of places.
I love you forever and ever."
Mama, thanks for always taking time to write to me. I love you forever and ever,
too.
-30-