Letters That Make You Smile

When I was young, way before email existed, I used to love to write letters. I communicated much better that way because I could think about what I wanted to say, and I didn’t have to worry about how a person was going to respond. The only thing I didn’t like about writing was the idea that I could be misunderstood. When someone reads what you write they interpret it from their perspective not necessarily from the perspective it was intended. Even with that risk of being misunderstood I still preferred writing.

I found that I developed closer relationships with folks that I would write. You tend to get into deeper content much quicker. There have actually been times that I’ve communicated with someone via letters and grown very close to them. Then when I actually saw them in person I found myself feeling awkward and at a loss for words.

Someone recently mentioned the idea of being a letter from Christ. It made me start thinking about what it actually means to be a letter from Christ written on someone’s heart. I have been intrigued with the thought for the past few days, and decided I really want to explore this idea and get some feedback from anyone willing to share it.

I want to start with the idea of “letters”. I have many letters and cards that I have saved for years and years. I don’t really reread them very often but something about those words tucked away makes me happy. I like knowing that I can pull them out when I’m feeling down and instantly be reminded that I mean something … or meant something at one time … to someone.

I’d like to hear about letters you have received that encouraged you. Do you have any letters tucked away in a shoebox that you can pull out from time to time … that make you smile? I know that we are not comfortable saying good things about ourselves, but we all know how good it feels to read something from someone you love, that tells what you mean to them. We can never be too encouraged. So don’t be shy … tell me about the best letter you ever received. Please don’t worry about writing too much … WE CAN NEVER BE ENCOURAGED TOO MUCH.

I had a student one year that was embarrassed to come to my class because he didn’t want his friends to see him coming in the Special Ed room. I hated being the teacher of the class kids hated to enter. He would hide in the bathroom until passing time was over and then come to my class late. When I talked to him about being late he finally told me what was going on. We were able to talk it out and work together to cope with a difficult situation. Here is a letter I received from a friend when I was struggling with meeting that child’s needs:

What you did for that little boy … embarrassed about his classroom
… embarrassed about what he thinks he is (why do we define people by
what they can do or not do) … anxious about being “outed” …  frightened
as to how those boys will see him – treat him – spread the word about him
…
You saw it … didn’t turn you back or put your head in the sand, ignoring
his heart … didn’t slap his “hand”, mocking his fear … didn’t pat his
head, minimizing his dread … YOU LISTENED … YOU HEARD (which is
different than just listening) … YOU CARRIED THE BURDEN … for you did
for him what you would have wanted someone to do for you.  That is loving
your neighbor as you love yourself.

YOU WERE LIKE JESUS … that is enough.I am proud of you … and want to be like you.