Barbara, Leonard, Sarah and Katelyn

Today we want to introduce you to  Leonard and Barbara Lippy – husband and wife for over 30 years – our friends for over a decade.

Kelly – another close friend, shared this with me:

Several years after they were married Barb and Leonard started a little game that continued for over 20 years. They would write each other notes and then hide it in some place where the other spouse would eventually find it. They dated each note to see how long it took before it was found. It was a playful bantering game; they enjoyed many laughs and special moments with this romantic practice.

These “little notes” have forever affected me! To think how a simple piece of paper improved their relationship and the grace it gave them to endure all the hardships.

On February 15th, 2010, Barbara became seriously ill.  We didn’t know it then, but she only had one month left before the Lord would call her home.  Leonard, obviously mourning the loss of his best and dearest friend, shared with us how he unexpectedly found a note from Barb last Thursday dated 2/10/2010.  The note simply said, “I love you honey, and I am looking forward to fixing you something special for Valentines day.”  That meal would be the last one they would enjoy in their home together.

He found another note stuffed in his sock drawer, “I know Mother’s Day is coming soon and how hard it is for you to know what I would like;  Could you fix this necklace?  I would like to wear it on Mother’s Day when Sarah [their only daughter] and Katelyn [their only granddaughter] are here.”

Kelly continued:

“Can you imagine what effect this simple act could have on our spouse? The affirmation of our love and devotion by this small gesture can produce some astounding results in our marriage, not to mention help the sender as well as the recipient walk in a way that glorifies God and celebrates the love and friendship between a husband and wife.”

When I asked Leonard his permission to share his story he said, “Debi, if it helps one couple, then do it!  Thanks!”

Leonard, thank you for sharing your story with us and helping us remember what’s of most importance.  We have no guarantees for tomorrow, so we must make the most of every opportunity to love, honor and bless the one with whom we vowed “to love and cherish as long as we both shall live.”  This kind of love glorifies God because it is a reflection of His deep love for His Bride – the church!

Won’t you join us in praying for Leonard as the Lord brings him to mind?  It will take time for his heart to heal, and there may be more notes yet to be discovered.  But one thing is certain – God will use those notes to comfort him and remind him that he was loved by a truly, wonderful and godly woman.  Exactly the reason Barbara hid the notes in the first place!