More than a Recipe
“Let all you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14
My only sibling always seemed to go the extra mile. When I called for a list of herbs in my brother’s famous roast, he replied: “Sure, Sis. I’ll get right back to you.” He didn’t just call me back. Instead, I received this beautiful, hand-written, detailed letter in my mailbox.
Always the over-achiever, Richard graduated from Goodman (MO) High School in 1968 with honors including salutatorian, Boys State, Babe Ruth championship team, and more. In the Navy, he graduated from Class 9 Communication School as the honor man and represented the Navy at the European National Pool Tournament. In the business world, he worked as a Consumer Finance Manager for finance companies and hospitals. His skill with figures pulled many hospitals out of the red.
Little brother was a great story-teller; so much so, I took most things with a grain of salt. However, later I learned many of his “tall tales” were true. One thing I could depend upon, if I had a need, he would be there for me.
He called Mother every week, regardless of where he was. After she died, he continued the Saturday night calls to me. “Sis, how is it going?” Oh, how I miss those calls.
This simple letter is one of my most prized possessions. Not for the recipe, I don’t cook. Its value is in the memories it holds. Richard took precious time and care to go the extra mile for me. God blessed me with a brother’s love that will last forever.
Click here for verses on brotherly love.
I wonder, what am I leaving for my family? for others? A house full of “stuff” or hearts filled with sweet memories of a Mom, Grandma, or Friend that loved beyond measure?
More than tangible things, I have real concerns about my spiritual legacy. But, then that’s a story for another day. Keep tuned in.
What is your most prized possession? Let me hear from you.
Hugs and prayers,
Susie
My wedding ring.
Cheryl, Agreed! All of us who were honored to know Doug, miss him. You two were quite the team.
This will make a great roll call for the missions group meeting next month! Thank you
Great idea, JoAnn! I am hoping to be there; I kinda like that cheerful group of go-getters! Blessings.
I have been lonely for my brother. He was a awesome man.I don,t have any family any more. A husband that does not care.sorry for the downers. I know God loves me. He died for me!
Thanks, June, for commenting. I sure relate to missing the brother. My brother was two years younger, but even as a child, I looked up to him.
Aren’t we thankful we have a family—God’s family—and that He has given us brothers and sisters in Christ with whom we can spend eternity? And, while we are here on earth, some of us (me included) are a mess sometimes. Hugs and blessings to you.
It may not be at the very top of my list but very close. I have a handwritten poem by my grandmother on my Dad’s side. It was about me being “so big” – but some said I was “too little”, but “how can that be now that I am three”.
I also have two or three handwritten letters from my dad. He dropped out of school to help on the family farm. It was a chore for him to write but he took the time to work through it. Those letters are precious to me…as was my dad who walked into the arms of Jesus five years ago.
Wow, Regina. What a wonderful gift and sweet poem. That letters from our dads are so meaningful, especially when we realize what it took for them to write them to us.
Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
Hugs and blessings, Susie
PS Isn’t our soon-coming reunion going to be grand?