Remember Those Who Blessed You
Friday, November 20, 2020 by Melissa McLaughlin

Love in a letter

Aunt Gladys always sent the funniest letters. I have many loving aunts and uncles who each extended kindness and support to me in various ways through the years. Aunt Gladys’ specialty was letters.

No fancy stationery for Aunt Gladys. Her words were penned on whatever was handy at the moment. A half sheet of notebook paper or restaurant napkin would do just fine. Aunt Gladys was ahead of her time, recycling before recycling was a trend.

The letters we received from Aunt Gladys would fill every blank space. She began on one part of a notecard or slip of paper, then continued onto the back of the envelope in which it was mailed. Our address on the front of the envelope, her closing on the back. Her motto, “If there’s white space, why not fill it?”

She often included a little surprise. A clipping from the comic section of the newspaper, a colorful sticker or a handful of used postal stamps in assorted designs.

When I was bedridden due to a difficult pregnancy with my first daughter, Aunt Gladys sent a letter almost every week. Countless people sacrificially helped us during that difficult time. Thankfully, after a long and uncertain wait, my daughter was born with only minor complications. I remember the day Aunt Gladys lifted my daughter into her arms for the very first time. She cooed, “Let me hold this miracle baby.”

Remember those who blessed you

As I think back over my life, I am astonished at the number of people God has positioned in the precisely right place at precisely the right time. Recently, I read a passing comment, “Imagine making a list of everyone who has blessed you!”

I was struck by the simplicity and depth of gratitude this simple statement contained. From the day my own mother nestled me in her arms, to my father’s gentle hands guiding me through the years. From my older brother’s helpful mentoring to my younger brother’s playful humor. From my husband’s tender thoughtfulness, to my daughters’ handcrafted gifts and my son’s handmade greeting cards.

And this barely scratches the surface of the myriad people God has used to bless me!

At this time of thanksgiving, I invite you to pause for a moment. Like my Aunt Gladys, pull out whatever writing material is available and make a list.

A simple list.
A list of remembrance.
A list of the people who have blessed you.

Send some love in a letter

Then I encourage you to take it one step further. Write a letter to one person from your list who is still living. Our days are numbered. Let’s use a small portion of this precious gift of time, to bless those who have blessed us.

Please share with me some people who blessed you. Let’s remember together!

Proverbs 16:24 – Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Spiritual Life

Join author and teacher, Melissa McLaughlin, and grow in Truthful Grace as we ignite the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit in our hearts, minds, prayers and lives. Grow in Christ, grow in the knowledge of His Word, the Bible, grow the passion in your prayers.

You are God's Masterpiece
Melissa McLaughlin
3/23/2026

Let the Wind of God's Spirit Sweep Over You
Melissa McLaughlin
2/23/2026

How Does the Light of Christ Change Your Heart?
Melissa McLaughlin
2/9/2026

3 Ways to Set Your Affections on Things Above
Melissa McLaughlin
1/26/2026

3 Ways to Shine Christ's Light in the New Year
Melissa McLaughlin
1/12/2026

Half a Walk is Better Than No Walk
Melissa McLaughlin
11/10/2025

You May Be the One
Melissa McLaughlin
11/3/2025

How is God's Spirit Like the Wind?
Melissa McLaughlin
9/15/2025

Are You Stretching for More of God?
Melissa McLaughlin
9/8/2025

Turn On the Light of Christ
Melissa McLaughlin
9/1/2025

Where is God Planting You?
Melissa A. McLaughlin
8/20/2025

Are You Seeking the City That is to Come?
Melissa McLaughlin
7/23/2025