Sunday, April 23
Dear Oliver,
I made two important discoveries this week – Hattie, and the origin of a quote that is very familiar to us.
I found Hattie and I think that she is alive. An A.T. Hatfield was trapped in the Super Dome for three days and then evacuated to Houston. That's probably why she dropped off the roles in Louisiana. It seems she started her business over again in Austin. I have a street address. As soon as I get home, perhaps we could make a trip to Austin to locate her – if you haven't already found that she and Gabe are together.
My second discovery came during the worship service this morning. It was in the text for the sermon by Chaplain I. Spill Coffee. The service itself is brief and informal. One hymn is sung and the chaplain offers a message. Of course, there is prayer. Today the chaplain read Ecclesiastes 4: 9 – 12.
I have thought about the passage all afternoon. He began with "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor." We once agreed that we are very good at what we do. We deliver. One could say that we have enjoyed a remarkable return on our labor. I began to reflect on those returns and found myself smiling at thought of our adventures. I decided to write them down – to make a list. I will keep the list beside my bed. Especially while so far apart, it may be good to think on these things.
When I do think on these things, I cannot help but notice how much was reunited, restored, reconciled – how much of that which was lost was found.
Which brings me to my second discovery – the origin of a very familiar sentence. At the end of the passage the chaplain read, "A cord of three stands is not easily broken." I thought, "wait, that's from the letters of Catherine and Jonathan." That is where I first heard that quote. That is where I first asked you to pray.
I didn't know that those words came from the Bible. You probably did. Remember how that verse was followed by "two hearts joined by a greater one can withstand anything." Catherine and Jonathan's love withstood the tests of time, distance, and even the shadow of death. Gabe and Hattie will withstand the hurricane that swept them apart. We will withstand this test too. Because, two hearts joined by a greater one can withstand anything.
Withstanding by hope and faith,
Shane
P.S. Here are a few of the results of our divine deliveries: an innocent man was freed from jail; a little boy was saved from mobsters and reunited with his beloved grandmother; a girl's life was saved who needed a transplant and a husband's view of his marriage restored; a treasure box and a painting were returned to their rightful owners, both filled with love that would pass from generation to generation; a student was reunited with her hero/teacher and that hero's life reclaimed; two estranged sisters reconciled; twin brothers found each other and their mother's sacrifice was returned to her; a lost memory was reclaimed and young love was given a chance; two people who loved each other were allowed to become husband and wife.