A Letter From A Friend

A Letter from a Friend

Gentle words are a tree of life. Proverbs 15:4

There’s nothing that makes my day more than seeing a flower-bordered envelope with my friend’s handwriting in my mailbox. Letters mingle souls and connect hearts even across the miles. It’s not exactly like chatting over lunch together, but sometimes those gentle words have arrived at just the right time to lift me out of worry or cheer my heavy heart. E-mail is quick and makes it easy to stay in touch, but keep those snail-mail letters and notes going, for they are some of the delights of a long-distance friendship. These written reminders of love and care can be tucked away in your journal and brought out on gray or anxious days when you need some encouraging words. A letter can be read and reread. It calms and soothes the sometimes turbulent waters of friendship.

Outside of our actual presence, a letter is the best physical proof we can offer of our friendship, our care and concern for another person. Lifestyle philosopher Alexandra Stoddard offers some lovely advice: “Sit by a crackling fire and read some of your favorite letters. While sitting there soaking up all the love and support, think of one person you love and write a beautiful, loving letter to that person. Let the flame in your hearth warm your heart. One letter in a lifetime to a mother, a daughter, or a special friend could make a greater difference than you dare to believe.” —CHERI

Lord, help me to be the kind of friend who takes time to give the gift of a letter, of gentle words or words of thanks written down.

Life is too fast-paced, too commercial, too technical. A true gift is one that touches life’s chords, is a true gift of oneself. How simple that a letter can be a gift of time tucked away, saved, cherished, and passed on. —ANNIE MORTON