Tonight, at the end of a long day, I received a wonderful gift in the mail. One of my readers took the time to hand write a special thank you to me for writing my two Catalpa Creek books, Fireweed and To Begin Again. She said, “I found the storyline riveting and didn’t want to put the books down…I especially appreciate the advice about lighting the electric candle… I know I won’t always need this ritual, but it is very comforting at this time.” She closed with, “So again my thanks for two books filled with hope, encouragement and God’s love.” Tears blurred my sight as I read her letter. With each book I write, I give a piece of my heart. Her thank you, as well as all the thank you’s I have received over the years, remind me that this is my ministry and encourage me to keep writing.

I tell you this little story because so often someone does something, or we read a book or hear a speech and think, that was great. It touched my heart. Not often enough do we tell or write a note to let the person know our feelings. Because we don’t know the writer personally, we don’t tell him or her how her book, or whatever creation. affected us.

As is often the case, there is a Biblical story about just this issue. At the end of the story, “Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” (Luke 17:11-18)

During Covid 19, when some of us are struggling with loneliness and missing our activities, I suggest writing a special thank you to the authors of your favourite books, the helpers who are bringing your groceries, or on-line creators of fun programs, or whoever has helped you in anyway. Use the gift of time that Covid 19 has given you to affirm someone in the goodness that he or she is doing.