LiveDifferent Challenge (28): Pen, Paper, and 42-cents

When was the last time you received a hand-written letter?  For most of us, we may not even remember.  Or perhaps you’re scratching your head, wondering what I’m even talking about.  You know, that thin flimsy stuff called paper, tucked inside a folded up little paper container called an envelope, and delivered by hand to your mailbox.  That’s a letter.

I had the joy of receiving, out of the blue, a hand-written card this week, and not just a card where the sender signs at the bottom and lets Hallmark say the rest, but a letter-in-a-card, the kind that’s filled with that amazing, barely discernable stuff we call hand-writing.  And I tell you, there’s something about a hand-written note or letter that does what no email can do.  There is something so meaningful about seeing that hand-written envelope, in the midst of the mound of junk mail, and realizing that while the rest of the world might want your money (via bills, donations, or credit cards), there is someone out there who took the time, the energy, and the forty-two cents, to sit down and write to you just because they love you. 

A wonderful professor of mine, who is also a senior pastor, shared that for the 25 years that he’s been a pastor, he makes it a habit, every Monday, to write 5 hand-written notes to people in his congregation. Either thank yous, encouragement, or just a note to say he cares, he keeps his eye out during the week to see who might be blessed by a a little extra something.  He said his wife does the same thing with the church directory each week, praying through the names and asking God who might benefit from a personalized note of love.  I dare say that no matter what this pastor preached from the pulpit, the people in his congregation felt loved and blessed. 

So our challenge this week is to write one, just one, hand-written letter or card.  In a world that is driven by electronic, impersonal communication (and usually for the purpose of selfish gain!), writen an old-fasioned letter for the sake of the recipient.  Ask for nothing, just give a little of yourself.  You’ll be surprised at how much you gain in return.