Real Mail (10/16/2026)

This week I got “real mail.” I got a card from my friend in North Carolina and a card from my friend from bible study. Needless to say, I dropped the other mail in a pile and tore open the envelopes. They had handwritten notes. I put them on my kitchen island, standing up, slightly open, as a reminder. “Real mail” brings such joy at the realization that someone thought of me and invested time and postage to let me know that. It is a gift I treasure.

“Real mail” reminds me of the LORD whose love was received and filled another to overflow. I have a small trunk in my basement that contains every letter and card I have ever received over the years. I lovingly refer to it as my “blue day trunk.” When I have a day where my enthusiasm (the word literally means “God within”) is waning, I open it up and within a short amount of time I realize how the LORD has loved me physically through others.

I am planning on creating some “real mail” myself to send out to others. I have neglected that for too long. It is time for me to act as the harbinger of faith, hope and love for others, to remind them that they matter and that I noticed, and I care. This small gesture is part of our journey. Many times, we accompany others with our physical presence and support; but there are so many times when that isn’t possible because of distance. However, that is no excuse. A key component of accompaniment on the way is offering tangible evidence of our love and prayers for another.

As we make our way in Christ through the power of the Spirit, let us remember those whom the LORD has blessed us with along the way. Let us commit to being there for them as the LORD has been there for us. Let us seek ways to encourage others through such simple measures as sending “real mail” to let them know of their value to the LORD and to us.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.