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Good Morning. Today is World Card Making Day – I know this rather curious fact because card making is one of my wife’s hobbies. As a result, our house is full of all types of card, felt, ribbons, tissue paper, glue, tinsel and the other paraphernalia that goes into making greeting cards.

Over a decade ago, the technological futurists were suggesting that physical greeting cards, much like printed books and long-playing records, would go the way of the Dodo and be replaced by their digital or electronic equivalents. While the Dodo is no more, hand-made greeting cards are in rude health. I believe this is due to people still wanting to receive items that are the results of the efforts of those who know us and love us. It takes time, energy and creativity to produce a unique card for that special person; it’s not something one can knock-up in a few moments - unlike electronic cards, which are often a last minute response.

In many ways, the gift of a handmade card is comparable to God’s love for us. In Psalm 139, David describes how the Lord knows us intimately and loves us extravagantly, while in Isaiah 49:16 the Prophet suggests that Lord has engraved our names on the palms of his hands, such is his affinity for us.

Yet, unlike a greetings card, which tend to be given to a special someone on a particular occasion, God’s love is constant and is for the special and the not so special – in short, it embraces all.

Dear Lord, we thank you for special occasions when we can remember loved ones. Let us use these times to also focus on those you call us to love; especially those who are often forgotten in our overly busy world.