My husband taught English literature for more than three decades at Gonzaga University, retiring a few years ago. Once every few years, a former student writes to thank him for a certain class or certain help and guidance long ago.

One letter awaited us on return from vacation. It was beautifully written and the man who wrote it, a teacher now in the South, traced the beginning of an entire career from one conversation with professors at GU, inlcuding my husband.

He said he was inspired to write after reading What's So Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancey. The letter reminded me about Yancey's powerful writing on suffering and why it's so hard to hold onto faith and grace in times of great injustice and tragedy. His books are well-written and wise.

So the letter offered many graces this morning in our lives. A reminder to say thank you to people who made a difference, when these folks are still alive.

And the reminder of Yancey's books, long a source of insight and hope in times of despair.

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