Leslie Weatherhead tells of a little boy who was admitted to an orphanage after his parents were killed. One of the first items on the agenda was to find a new set of clothes for him. He was given a new pair of pants, a new shirt, and a pair of shiny new shoes.

Lastly, he was offered a new hat, but he refused to take it. Instead, he clung to his “worse- for the-wear” hat. Finally, the director of the orphanage was able to coax him into trying on the new cap. He tried it on and liked it, but then did something very funny. He reached inside his old cap, tore out the lining, and placed it in his pocket.

Noticing the director had a puzzled look on her face, he said, "The lining is a part of my mother’s dress. It’s all I’ve got left of her, and

sometimes when I touch it, it seems to bring her back."

The boy longed to remember his mother, so he kept a small memento, a little reminder of her. He kept it close so he would never forget.

Jesus knew that we would at times grow lonely as we await His return. We would need small mementos along the way to help us sense His presence and to give us courage. Graciously, He has left the reminders all around: the beauty of nature; His word to us in scripture; the meaningful emblems water, bread, and wine in the communion service; the warmth and love of fellow believers. Each of these things help “bring him back,” reminding us that He is ever near, and that we will one day be reunited with the Savior we love so dearly.

With Love,

Mike