My wife, June, was named after her Aunt June, who passed away in May 2000. The next year we had just moved to Montgomery, Alabama, and June was feeling alone. On the anniversary of Aunt June’s birthday, April 19, 2001, June wrote these reflections. She just showed me these for the first time recently, and publishing them today seems fitting. (If you can’t see the picture, click here.)

Aunt June surely lived these out. She lived in California and worked as a teller for Wells Fargo for a VERY long time. I still use a leather Wells Fargo checkbook cover she gave me as well as a Wells Fargo belt buckle. I’ve had them for decades. She did not earn a lot of money, but she was very generous. Her life was not easy, but she was always cheerful, and, as June wrote, she didn’t indulge in self-pity or hold grudges.

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (Philippians 4.11, NIV)

In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. (2 Corinthians 8.2, 3, NIV)