SMEARED INK
On the last day of school in third grade, my best friend handed me a treasure: the address of the New York Yankees. Instantly, I discovered a purpose for my otherwise mundane summer: to collect autographed pictures from every Yankee player. Sequestered in my room, I began writing the stars: Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Yogi Berra; and then lesser-known players. As I received responses, I subjected each autograph to the same rigorous ritual. I licked my finger and slid it across the signature, hoping the ink would smear. I dreamed of the possibility of one these virtual demigods personally signing a picture. Each effort produced only disappointment.
Eventually, I wrote Tom Tresh, the Yanks' rookie shortstop. Receiving a reply, I removed his photo and automatically performed "The Ceremony." But this time, the miraculous occurred. The ink actually smeared! I stared zombie-like in disbelief. Recovering my composure, I clung to the photo with trembling hands. Tom Tresh, shortstop for the greatest baseball franchise in history, had actually taken the time to personally sign it, just for me! Who would imagine that such a simple act as writing your name could so profoundly impact a nine-year-old boy in South Carolina? It probably consumed less than ten seconds of his time, but I felt honored and special. All of that, from an effortless signature.
It's amazing how an ordinary feat can deeply affect others. It doesn't take much. A word of encouragement, a hug, or a note of appreciation can make a huge difference for someone who's struggling. I Thessalonians 5:11 instructs us to "encourage each other and build each other up." Encouragement is the fuel that powers our "vehicles" through life's obstacles. Paul told Philemon "You, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people" (1:7).
Tom Tresh died in 2009. To honor him, I opened the "nostalgia drawer" in my file cabinet and pulled out his autographed picture. Staring at it, I was transported back in time to the memory of that moment in 1962, when I was blessed by a simple ten-second act; a signature of smeared ink.
In what ways can I offer "smeared ink" to others?
Who is God calling me to be "Tom Tresh" to?
Prayer: "Lord, empower me as I move through my day to recognize those I can encourage."