Walking in the early morning darkness, the stinging cold was penetrating the many layers of my clothing and numbing the very muscle fibers of my face. All I knew was that I wanted to hurry up and get this exercise thing out of the way and get back inside. But as I exercised longer, I soon didn’t notice the cold. My thoughts drifted back to the conviction that God had placed in my heart during my morning devotional time.
I stopped to look up at the starry sky in an attempt to talk face to face with the Source of my convictions. Lord, how do I warm this indifferent coldness that I feel towards someone I should love unconditionally? I know Your will. Please give me the desire that I don’t have. Help me to do right, and to know where to start.
Little did I know how the answer would come. Later in the day, work was going as usual when a student at Indiana Academy (IA) asked if I had a few minutes to listen to a letter she had written to her father. As she began to read, I could sense the longing love she wished to express.
Dear Daddy,
I just wanted to let you know that I love you. I didn’t get to tell you Merry Christmas, or Happy New Year. So Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! I know you’re still mad at me, and you’re not going to change your mind. But I need to let you know that I’m happy here. For once, I’m truly happy.
Since I came to Indiana Academy, I have gotten closer with God. I found this peace that I never had before. It’s great. I have started Bible study on Wednesday nights with Pastor Peter Neri and Mrs. Neri. I have an A++ in Bible class. And my G.P.A. is 3.15.
I pray for you every day and night. I pray that you can put your feelings aside and talk to me again. Pastor Beltre says that I should keep praying. He reminded me that God always answers prayers, even if it takes a while for them to be answered.
This weekend I am going snowboarding at Paoli Peaks. I’m really excited, never been snowboarding before. I hope I don’t break anything. That would be bad. I have to go now. I’ll always pray for you.
Love,
Your daughter
P.S. Titus 3:9, Ephesians 4:30, Colossians 3:13
By the time she finished, tears that had filled my eyes were trickling down my face. “That is beautiful,” I confirmed to her questioning eyes. I gave her a hug and offered her an envelope and stamp.
It was then I knew what I needed to do for my own estranged relationship I had wrestled with earlier that morning.
Once again God used adults associated with IA to inspire a student to walk with God, and the embers from that flame fell down and touched my life, too.
The author wishes to remain anonymous. The letter was used with permission.
