Dear Sister,

Dear Sister,

It has been a while since I have written and I have so much to tell you.

Mrs. Periwinkle down the street passed away. She was the one who wore all those silly hats. In spite of our many compliments, I remember the days we would spend laughing away with our girlfriends talking about those hats. The one with the bird’s nest and the one with the pinecones and squirrel tail…don’t get me started. Well, you won’t believe what happened. At her funeral all of those hats were lined up on a table and beside each one was a card with the name of the girl whom she bequeathed it to. I don’t know how she knew, but by the end of the ceremony each one of us departed wearing the ridiculous hat we most disliked. I guess she got the last laugh.

I volunteered to bake pies for the fundraiser at church. Ok, so I’ve never made a pie in my life, but Bradley Hunt was standing right next to me when I was asked so what could I do? I’ve liked him forever and I thought maybe if he saw how charitable I was and believed I was a good cook it could improve my chances. He did smile when I volunteered. However, he looked quite shocked when I delivered said pies to his mother’s home, until….. I explained that my six-year old adopted cousin, from the orphanage, helped bake the pies and then his smile returned. Well, to be fair it did look like a six-year old made the pies. I just hope he never finds out I don’t actually have a cousin.

I had lunch with Belinda, Marcie and Rachel last week. Belinda is so rude. Oh, if she wasn’t so popular I swear I just wouldn’t bother. Anyway, she asked to borrow my green dress for the Swanson’s dinner party and had the gall to add, “Even though I may have to take it in a little.” Well, I fixed her good. I took the dress in two inches on each side and then delivered it with a smile. When I showed up to the Swanson’s dinner party I asked her why she didn’t wear the dress. In all her regal ness she replied, “It didn’t hang right on me.” then turned around and left.

Well, I’m off to write my novel. Oh, I didn’t tell you Bradley also thinks I’m a published author and we are discussing my new book this weekend on our first date….wish me luck!

Sincerely,

Your Sister

Wow, that was fun to write. I do have a point by the way actually one for each situation in the letter. First, deep down people know when you are being genuine. The only person you are fooling is yourself. Second, give out of your gifts and talents. People will appreciate you for being you. Finally, be gracious in every situation. It will be your face you see in the mirror the next morning.

Grand Opening

The grand opening sign was quite small and unassuming, but what was happening inside was the biggest thing to hit our town yet. We had been waiting months for the store to open and some had been waiting years for something like this to actually happen.

As I waited in line, I couldn’t help but take in the spectacle around me. The brick building was small at a mere five-feet by seven-feet with drive up windows on each side. I had inched my way up and was only a few feet from the “menu”. I knew I must weigh my options carefully realizing my first time here I couldn’t order “one of each” even though I really wanted to. The line was moving at a good pace in spite of the many cars wrapped around the block. I couldn’t help but notice everyone drove away with a smile.

Finally, I am next in line.

Main Menu:

Deeper Knowledge of God

Healthy Lifestyle

Hear God Speak

Children That Mind

Respect at Work

Sides:

Peace

Joy

Organized Schedule

Happiness

Good Night Sleep

Just as I had finished perusing the menu an angelic voice came over the intercom. “Welcome to Blessings R Us….How may I bless you today?” “Yes, thank you, I will take a Deeper Knowledge of God with a side of Good Night Sleep.” The intercom clicked on again, “Please pull forward.” I was thinking how easy that was when I suddenly realized she didn’t say how much it would cost. I pulled up to the window. As it opened a slender hand reached out. “I don’t know what you want….you didn’t tell me the cost?” I said. A woman leaned slightly out the window and quietly replied, “Surrender.” “Surrender? Surrender what?” I wondered out loud. She gave me a faint smile and simply said, “Your way.”

Those two little words slammed hard into my chest though she said them without judgment or even the slightest hint of animosity. “ All I have to do is surrender and I will get A Deeper Knowledge of God and A Good Night Sleep?” “In a manner of speaking.” Finally, we were getting to the bottom of it. “What’s the catch?”, I asked. “No catch, you surrender your way and His way will naturally come through.” I had surrendered one night many years ago. But as I sat there areas came to mind…ones that I had taken back over time and some in truth I never fully gave up. Now that I thought about it, these were the very areas in which I struggle. As the light of understanding came into my eyes she nodded and handed me a card. “For your next visit.” I looked at the card:

Please Come Back Soon

“What no coupon?” I snarked. “No, next time it will cost you the same, but we are so sure you are going to be satisfied with this visit you will be back until you’ve received everything on our menu.” As I drove off I glanced into the rear view mirror to catch a glimpse of the next unsuspecting person and I couldn’t help but notice my own smile in the mirror.