What’s keeping your heart pumping lately?

I’ll be honest. Yesterday, my heart was a wizened, dried-up balloon. I just felt tired. Worn down. The weather didn’t help. It was rainy and cold.

“But it’s your Meals on Wheels day!” squeaked my shriveled-up heart. “You have to go. Besides, it always cheers you up.“

“But it’s pouring,” I whined.

What could I do? I had clients waiting. I put on my shoes and went.

The volunteer at pick-up handed me something I didn’t expect. Along with the hot meals, frozen meals, milk, beverage packets, and supplement bags, he gave me a clear bag of handwritten letters. “There’s one for each client,” he said. “I believe they’re from a middle school.”

My heart quickened! I LOVE kids’ letters!

Back when I was a children’s minister, our kids would write notes to our homebound members. Before we sent them out, I always gave them a once-over—both to soak up the joy and to catch any notes in which their heartfelt care might land askew. As in, “Sorry you’re almost dead. But yay for being with God!”

The closer I got to the clients, the more I thought I should give them a once-over too. So, I pulled into a gas station.

Y’ALL!

THESE LETTERS!

All twelve were written by the same young man. Let’s call him Jack.

JACK GAVE ME NEW HOPE! I adore this boy!

Each letter is different, but they have such heart! They’re personal and funny and sweet!

YOU MUST TAKE A LOOK!

In case his handwriting’s hard to read, enjoy the transcriptions.

Dear friend,

I hope you are having an amazing day! I have a joke for you, are you ready? Why did the rabbit go to the salon? It was having a bad hare day!! I hope this joke made you laugh so you can show everyone your beautiful smile!

Jack

Dear friend,

I hope you’re having an amazing day! I learned a fun fact today. Do you want to hear it? It is illegal to own only one guinea pig in Switzerland! That means every guinea pig in Switzerland has a friend!

Jack

Dear friend,

Tomorrow is my dog’s birthday! I’m so excited! I got him new toys and I’m going to grill him a nice steak. Sadly I have to work tomorrow but he is getting all of my attention the second I get home! I hope you have a great week!

Jack

“A child wrote a note TO ME?” one of my clients said. “What a treat!”

What a treat, indeed!