by Martha June

Dear Ashley,

I met you about a month and a half ago in Branson. We were both waiting in line for hot chocolate at Silver Dollar City. I instantly noticed your sweet disposition, cute hair, and unique voice. You were kind to my family was communicating quite loudly what they were expecting from the stand and double checking that I had it right. The line was moving slowly as we got to talking. We found many similarities in our lives, both being the oldest and girls in our separate families. You overheard me expressing my frustration over something involving work, and encouraged me it would get better. You told me a little bit of your story and how you dealt with hard things and made it through. You asked me about my life and my plans after senior year. Was college in my future? you asked and I told you it was unlikely (at least immediately after High School). You told me about your year break after High School to get your bearings and travel. And you expressed your fondness for that year and how you did go to college afterward. After college, you got married and had kids all while still pursuing your career. Your year break did not make a huge difference in the end, in fact, you looked back at how much it helped you.

By this time we were close to the counter and you kindly paid for our hot chocolate (and you have no idea how much that meant to me). You said goodbye and told me you were heading home that night, and you gave me a hug.

Ashley, just that short conversation, and your encouragement really meant a lot to me. It was so unexpected that I would receive that kind of encouragement/friendship late at night in a hot chocolate line. What you did not know was that I was struggling with the idea of not going to college immediately. I had always known that I would never go immediately due to my career path…but that is all seniors (and everyone else) talks about. I felt that somehow…someway I was a failure, I had questioned my intelligence and wondered how “far behind” I would be if I did go a year later. You helped me realize that as long as I was following God’s path for my life, then I would never be behind. On the contrary, I would be way ahead.

You may never read this, and I may never meet you again in this lifetime. But I hope one day to be reunited with you in our heavenly home. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me.

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To everyone else…never underestimate the power of a kind word or word of encouragement. You may never know the impact it will have on someone. Even if that someone is a stranger like I was.

Sincerely,

that insecure shy girl named Martha