Chinese New Year Cards

I'm taking a break from signing Chinese New Year cards. I'm almost done. This year it's been an especially sweet exercise. I started thinking about how personal hand written letters and cards are. Imagine. Here I am in Singapore, writing on a card, touching it with my hands and thinking about this person, who has grown dear to me. I am touching this card and signing it today. Soon, it will be in their hands. They'll be touching and reading something I have held only a few days earlier. When I realized this, I started writing a short prayer on the card instead of merely signing it. I can't be with these friends to hug them, or pray WITH them, but I can put my prayer for them in writing today and let them see it shortly. Maybe they'll see it as corny or sappy, but I've enjoyed praying for them this way!

I pray God, that you will bless all my friends this year. Not just materially, which would be nice, but also with great joy in following and serving you with their heart, soul, strength and mind! If they don't know you yet, I pray that you will show them your love in irresistable ways so that they give their lives to you! You are the fountain of every blessing! -Amen