“I need a book of stamps,” she said, and I knew why. She needed to make connection points.
For as long as I can remember, Mom has used postage stamps. For one, to mail bills. She is and has been a snail-mailer. She doesn’t like things drafted from her account—although, on occasion, she has no choice. And when one or more of her creditors were local—and she could drive—she did the old-school thing: drove to the place of business and made the payment in person. But that’s not the main reason Mom needed so many stamps.
For as long as I can remember, Mom has used stamps for a more important reason. She loves to keep up with people’s birthdays and anniversaries. Mainly family members but also fellow church members and other acquaintances. She dotted her calendar with their names so she wouldn’t forget to mail them a card.
But not just a card. Yes, she carefully selected one that said what she wanted to say, but often, she added remarks at the bottom before she signed her name. And if she knew the person well—or if they faced some challenging situation—she might fill the entire left side of the card with words, making the card a letter.
I suppose my wife and I never knew how many stamps Mom used until she and my stepdad both contracted dementia and could no longer drive. Then, it became our job to purchase the stamps for them. Eventually, Mom cut down on the amount of cards she sent. Her hands became weak and shook so much that it pained her to write, making her writing almost illegible.
Cards were Mom’s connection points with others. She never received anywhere close to as many cards from others as she sent. Sometimes, she complained that no one remembered her, but she didn’t send to receive. Sending cards was one way she showed love and kindness.
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12 NLT).
I think Paul would have agreed with Mom’s practice of card sending. As a child of God, she was responsible for showing mercy and kindness—as we all are—and this was one of the ways she did.
I never met anyone who said, “Tell your mom to quit sending me cards.” Just as I’ve never encountered anyone who said, “Tell your wife to stop making and passing out hard candy.” Connection points.
God wants us to live out and spread his love and mercy to others. To be channels. To be connection points. He’ll provide the opportunities if we just open our eyes to see them.
Think of some ways you can establish connection points of God’s love with others.
May we keep our eyes open to the opportunities around us. Thank you, Martin.
Thanks so much, Diane.
Your mom sounds a lot like mine.
Always writing notes and sending sweet “thinking of you” cards.
Such encouragers!
Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Maureen. Take care.
If you do something similar, but with text, email, or social media, then use the calendar on your phone or laptop. Put someone’s birthday on your calendar, and then when you wish them happy birthday, move the reminder out a year. It works.