When I was very young, I had a special great aunt, that I used to live across the street from for a while. Her house was like a place of refuge when things were hard. When I needed someone to talk to, she really just listened. When I needed help with my homework, in particular my writing, she helped me. When I wanted to laugh and be entertained, she would play the spoons and she was incredible at yodeling. She always had dolls for me to play with. I remember playing pretend, with made up stories with those baby dolls. Her house was always warm and inviting. Walking through her doors felt like a comforting hug. Though most of all walking into her home, was a place of rest, peace, love and a place I needed in that chapter of my life. Though she has now since passed, her house long since sold, her memory still lives inside my mind and her kindness still echoes in my heart. I don’t think she realized how much she meant to me, but I will always know. I will always cherish her memory here, until I see her again.

People in our lives all have different impressions that they leave behind in our hearts. They are like little trinkets in our memory banks. Some shine bright with great impressions, some not as much. I can’t help but pause and think about what memory am I leaving in people’s hearts and minds. Am I a place of rest, of peace, of safety? Am I place of refuge for hurting hearts and a home filled with laughter? Am I demonstrating love? The Bible says we are to love God first. Am I demonstrating that love toward Him and living as He calls? He also says we are to love one another. Am I spreading the kind of love that will echo in others hearts long after I am gone? I sure hope so, I sure hope so. Friend, may we love God always and love others at all times. For kindness and love remains a gift, long after received.

Erin Fitts-Brower 

Matthew 22:37-39

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’