It’s What’s Inside That Counts by Bob Jones

The journal was ordinary. Leather cover. Lined pages. Lightweight. The inscription on the inside cover made it extraordinary. That Christmas was seven years ago. The gift comes to mind immediately in reflecting on an experience when God reminded me that He was with me.  

 

As our family grew larger through marriage and grandkids, we adopted new Christmas traditions. One year we drew names and were to purchase a gift for that person. Our daughter-in-law, Angie, drew my name. The journal was a gift from her. She inscribed the inside cover with encouragement to keep on writing,

 

“Dad. Another year, another glimpse into your journey. We pray you are blessed beyond measure.”

 

The inscription was signed by Angie, our son and their three daughters.

 

Angie knew that I keep a journal and write every day. Her gift was thoughtful in so many ways, not the least of which was the inscription. I define success as: those who know me the best love me the most. The inscription was love in black on white.

 

Inscriptions or dedications in books can say a lot with a little. When I'm asked to sign a book I inscribe the title page with something meaningful for the person. Their name. The date. And an encouraging comment suited to their circumstance.

 

Some authors are creative with their inscription. The following four inscriptions caught my attention.

 

Lemony Snicket, “The Reptile Room”

“It is very unnerving to be proven wrong, particularly when you are really right and the person who is really wrong is the one who is proving you wrong and proving himself, wrongly, right. Right?”

 

Robb Hobb, “Ship of Magic”

“To caffeine and sugar, my companions through many a long night of writing.”

 

Sean Carroll, “The Particle at the End of the Universe”

“To Mom,
Who took me to the library.”

 

Victor Wooten, “The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music”

“WARNING

Everything in this book

may be

all wrong.

But if so,

it’s

all right!”

 

Think about the name of our writers’ group. Inscribe Writers. Our friendships, collaboration, the Inscribe posts, and the comments made on those posts are ways of inscribing on each other’s lives. We create support for each other.

The Apostle Paul had a similar sentiment in mind when he wrote to the believers in Corinth, “You yourselves are our letter, inscribed on our hearts, known and read by everyone.”

2 Corinthians 3:2 (The Berean Standard Bible)

 

Paul insists he has the best kind of recommendation letter: the Corinthian Christians themselves. The transformation in them, from pagans to followers of Jesus, is all the evidence he will ever need that his ministry as Christ's representative is the real thing.

 

The best recommendation of Inscribe writers is each other. Our stated purpose is to minister to Canadian Christian writers by stimulating, supporting, and encouraging them in the advancement of their writing. In 2023 our tribe will increase as we pour ourselves into each other and those who become associated with us.

 

Words matter. Especially at Christmas when the “Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” God is with you this Christmas and will be in the year ahead.

 

Merry Christmas!

 

Bob Jones writes to grow hope, inspire people to be real, forge an authentic faith in Jesus, and discover their life purpose. You can follow his writing at REVwords.com