For 16 years I have been a grief counselor. Sometimes the sadness can be overwhelming. One day I was feeling very low so I went out and bought a bunch of smiley face balloons. They are all over my house including the bathroom. They are beginning to droop now BUT they still have their smile. And no matter how low they go, they still rise AND NOW THEY ARE SPINNING AROUND AND DANCING.
 

God spoke to Moses out of a burning bush.
He is speaking to me out of BALLOONS!!
 

I always keep a fresh supply of smiley face balloons. However, since the Coronavirus hit the world, my days seem to be filled with disaster stories. Women are losing their husbands, husbands are losing the wives, children are losing their parents. Bottom line: we are losing our loved ones.

Again, today, some of my smiley face balloons fell to the floor. Truthfully, I didn’t feel like smiling until I heard the Lord speak these words, “Look Mary. They are still smiling! Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” I began to feel somewhat better so I continued to purge my office and discard a lot of things I didn’t think I could live without.

 

While in the process, I did what I call a “Divine Stumble.” I found this letter and my joy took a quantum leap. My only regret is that it had no date on it and I can’t clearly remember the writer. She referred to me by my middle name, “Darlene,” which I haven’t used since 1982. Here’s the letter. I hope it will bless you as it has me!

Hello Darlene:
How have you been? Long time no see, as they say! I hope you’ve been fine.

It’s odd that I have your address and not your phone number. But, then, I guess it’s more fun to keep you in suspense as to who I am. And no fair looking at the end of the letter.

Truly, though, I’ve missed that radiant smile of yours, and I often think about you. I usually asked Carol about you, but I thought I’d just let you know myself for once.

At times, when things get me down, I think about the time you cheered me up and told me always to remember to smile. Well, I’ve been smiling through rain or shine. Mainly, because when things get me down I, for some reason, think back immediately to what you said. I hope that you’re still giving that encouraging advice. And, wherever you are now, just as I needed that, someone else along the path that you cross may need the same.

I hope to be able to be in your company again soon. Always remember to smile, too!