Over the past sixteen years, I have tried my best to contact those who have touched my own life. At first I thought it was a silly thing to do, but it has been so rewarding that I am committed to inspiring others to do the same. It isn't about always staying in touch, but rather an effort to reach out; never looking for something in return.
One of my first calls was to my old pastor in Tennessee. I was not a real "Sunday go to meetin' girl", but I did attend fairly regularly with my best friend when I was young. I don't recall any special sermon he gave, but he put up with me, that's for sure. I was a young girl from a divorced family in a time that divorce was frowned upon more than today. My best friend and her family made certain that if they went, I went. I recall my friend running upstairs in my room many times on Sunday and saying "c'mon, momma and daddy are waiting, hurry up" as she was pulling clothes out of my drawers. I think I must have wanted to be noticed or something when I was little. It never failed that every Sunday (at least it seemed) the congregation would sing "Just As I Am". The pastor would allow those who felt they needed forgiveness of their sins to come forward. Well, you would have thought I was the worst sinner in the world! That song would make me cry and up to the front I would go; every Sunday! Couldn't even tell you why, but there I was, receiving forgiveness of all my sins. Looking back, I think it was simply having something consistent in my life that was good, really good. I'd like to think Pastor Chevalier knew that and made a special effort to always reach out to me. But you see, I don't think he did it intentionally. I think he was just that way to everyone he knew.
So one day, while sitting here in Montana, I decided to look up the number for Pastor Chevalier and give him a ring. I had not seen nor talked to him in probably twenty five years, I bet, and oh did he remember me. I could here the wonder in his voice as to the purpose of my call. I didn't even know myself what I was going to say, so I opened my mouth and out it came; "I just wanted to thank you for making a difference in my life. You taught me to keep God at the center of my life and I am forever grateful". We continued to chat for a while and hung up. I never gave it another thought, but I felt so good inside. About a month later, my best friend called and said she had a story to share. Her father still goes to that church and while our pastor had since retired, he had been called back to preach one Sunday. Then she says "and Daddy said he talked about YOU!" Pastor Chevalier had proceeded to talk to the elders in the congregation about a young girl that many might recall named Susie (my old nickname) and that he received a call from her out of the blue. He mentioned our conversation and his message to them was to never give up on the younger generation even when they don't feel they are making a difference, because they are. I never expected that in in return, but I am glad that I followed my heart and called him. Pastor Chevalier has since passed and I am blessed to have known him.
Today, my husband received a phone call much to his surprise. You see, my husband worked in oil fields during the big boom back in the late seventies and early eighties. He has shared many stories from those days and spoke of people that he worked and lived with. A few of those people have always stood out in his storytelling. Recently, I started researching their names in attempt to find some of them for his upcoming birthday on Valentine's Day. One was a guy who pulled up looking for a job in a little VW bug, torn tennis shoes and the clothes on his back. As he would laugh, he would claim how this guy taught him to be frugal. He spoke of how they lived together and one time decided to go grocery shopping together. My husband liked blowing his big paychecks and eating good, but this guy told him he was going to show him how to "save money". They ended up buying bologna and bread and just the bare essentials. To this day, my husband swears he thought he was going to starve to death! Funny how he has never forgotten him and thought so much of this guy for many reasons. Well, I found him living in Minnesota and doing very well. As I write, I can hear my husband's laughter as they talk on the phone for the first time in almost thirty years; something an email or a letter just could not replace.
These are just a few examples of the joy I have found in a simple phone call. Who knows if they will stay in touch, I hope so. But it isn't about that. It's all about reaching out to someone. It's about knowing in your heart that you can mark that off of your list of things to do and smile. But beware, you will find you're not only doing it for yourself, but helping others do the same. The rewards are as simple as a "thank you", but they will live within you forever. It doesn't have to be someone from long, long ago, you know who they are.
I hope you will call them. .
