The Second Gaze - Handwriting
Every Monday or Tuesday, we get a letter from my mother. It isn’t usually anything earth-shattering in terms of news or updates but instead just a catch-up of what’s happening for them, what the weather is like, questions about what’s happening with us, etc. Like so many things that happen with regularly, it is too easy to take them for granted. I was reminded of that after my mom had surgery last year and for about three months, we didn’t get any letters from her while she recovered. During those weeks, it was a reminder of how wonderful it is that she takes that time for us to write those letters every single week. There’s something beautiful about the letter that comes and knowing that those papers were held by her and that the words were written by her with her pen. It is a beautiful gift she shares every week.
When I started at the congregation I serve now, I made a decision that I was going to do something similar. So every week, I write handwritten cards to those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. And it isn’t just a “Happy birthday, from your pastor” note - I try to make it personal of how I have come to know them. I have also written cards at major days in the congregation’s life to everyone on the list. But as I write, it is more than just sending a note. I use those times to pray specifically for them. Praying for what I know is happening in their lives and also simply lifting them to God for what God knows. I have been blessed and surprised by the reactions I have received from people about these cards and letters.
So, take some time today and hand-write a card or a letter to someone. Let them know that you took that time to sit down, find some paper and a pen, and spent some time with them...
As I share this, I think of how Paul came to a close with two of his letters - in both 1 Corinthians and in Galatians where he specifically shares about how those parts of his letters are written in his own hand...in Galatians he seems to note this for emphasis upon what he is saying at the end and in 1 Corinthians about it being very personal for him...
See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!
Galatians 6:11
I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand...
1 Corinthians 16:21