Once a lovely, but economically poor young couple asked me to do their wedding ceremony. I met them for premarital counseling, as was my practice. I don’t remember if I specifically said there would be no fee for any of my services since the church was already providing for my work.
I did not expect any honorarium, so I was surprised when an envelope arrived from the couple who had moved away closer to family. Inside was a beautiful handkerchief, with a hand-stitched hem and tasteful embroidery. To be remembered and honored in such a gentle way seemed a better reward than any monetary gift.
I was reminded of the widow with her two small coins in the Jesus story. Perhaps they remembered some teary-eyed moment in one of my sermons and thought a hanky would be handy for a pastor. For years, I carried handkerchiefs for such a purpose. Nowadays, tissues are so available and perhaps more sanitary. But a handkerchief conveys a sense of security.
I understand that the always practical Queen Elizabeth II kept very little in the purses she carried beyond a handkerchief. Perhaps “always carry a handkerchief” is old-fashioned advice, but they are still useful in so many emergencies. Just because something is old-fashioned does not mean it can’t provide good service when needed.