I received a letter in the mail. It was a note really but it is so unusual to get actual real mail in my mailbox, not junk mail, not bills, but something someone has taken the time to write, that I cherished it! With the convenience of e-mail correspondence has become fast and immediate. I am not sounding the complaint of a curmudgeon who grumbles about anything new. I really value e-mail communication. It is convenient and like telephone answering machines makes life streamlined. But …letter writing has become a lost art. I keep a file of letters I have received over the years that have touched me and reminded me of the important things of life.
There is something about knowing that someone has taken the time to select the paper, considered the note, put pen to paper, maybe even wrote a rough draft before committing to the page, then hunted up a stamp and finally, made the trip to the mailbox to put the letter on its way. The letter has then been sorted and delivered to my mailbox. Think of the hands that have contributed to the production and delivery of that letter! And then of course, there is the sentiment that it carries. Letters can change people’s lives. Sometimes letters carry bad news. The letter I received made my day and served as a reminder that simple actions can have significant impact.
Much of our Greek Testament is made up of letters written to congregations. They describe for us life in the early church and disclose that life in any community can be filled with both tension and delight. Some of the letters in the Bible include encouragement to the congregations to be more inclusive, others tell them to stop fighting, and still others introduce controversy that still simmers in some circles.
We do well to remember how much a heart felt letter can mean to another. Why not get out your pen and paper and write someone a letter today?
| 
Home
