Dear Ruthie

Ruthie, walking slowly, went to fetch her morning mail –
inching past her roses, not much faster than a snail.
A single letter waited with no address, just her name.
She looked at it and wondered – a curiosity.
Then she broke the seal and held it high so she could see.

The note said, “Dear Ruthie, I’ll be in your neighborhood
“on Saturday afternoon. I’d like to visit if I could.”
And it was signed “Love always, Jesus”…

Her heart was all a’flutter like a baby butterfly,
Jesus wants to see me, oh I can’t imagine why.
No one so important ever noticed me before…
But I’ve got no food to serve him, and he’ll be here today.
I’ll count my change and buy some treats so he’ll enjoy his stay.

The note said, “Dear Ruthie, I’ll be in your neighborhood
“on Saturday afternoon. I’d like to visit if I could.”
And it was signed “Love always, Jesus”…

She hurried to the local store and bought some fruit and cheese.
But as she started home she heard a raspy voice say “Please…”
A homeless man was huddled in a blanket by a door.
He said “I haven’t eaten, and you look truly blessed.”
But she said “No, this food is for a very special guest.”

A moment passed, then Ruthie sighed and gave the man the food.
And seeing how he shivered, she gave him her coat too.
Then she started home again not knowing what to do.
As she passed her mailbox - another letter there.
She picked it up, walked in the house, then sank into her chair.

The note said, “Dear Ruthie, I loved seeing you today.
“Thank you for the lovely meal – I knew you wouldn’t turn away.
“And dear Ruthie, for giving me your coat
“the angels have a song for you. I hear it now. It’s lovely too.
“Thank you just for being you.”
And it was signed “Love always, Jesus.”