Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (Psalm 119:105, NIV)
Recently, I’ve noticed that handwritten letters are back en vogue via a trend called, “Open When…” envelopes. The premise is this: you write letters for various occasions such as “Open When You’re Feeling Sad,” “Open When You’re Missing Me,” “Open When You Need Encouragement,” “Open When You’re Mad at Me,” “Open When You Need to Know How Awesome You Are,” “Open When You Can’t Sleep” etc.
And in each envelope is a handwritten note featuring inside jokes, shared memories, favorite quotes and other inspiring tidbits. People personalize the envelopes with stickers, glitter, photographs, lipstick kisses and other decorations.
How do I know so much about this trend? Well, I watched with great pride as both of my daughters crafted personal, heartfelt letters to their long-time boyfriends. And, both of their boyfriends were deeply touched by their presents of prose. Abby’s fiancé joked, “I might need another ‘Open When You’re Mad At Me’ letter because I’ve pretty much worn that one out.” But in all seriousness, these young men so appreciated the time and effort and sincerity of each letter.
There’s just something special about the written word, isn’t there? I remember one Christmas when money was tight, my husband and I opted not to buy each other any gifts. Instead, Jeff wrote me a two-page letter. It wasn’t decorated with stickers, glitter or pictures. It wasn’t placed in a fancy envelope. It was written on notebook paper and stuffed into a plain white envelope.
In fact, he had even scratched out some words and written other words above them throughout the letter, but I loved every word and every scribble. Why? Because they were precious words, sweet memories and heartfelt confessions from my one true love. It’s one of the nicest gifts I’ve ever received, and it was paired with a giant Hersey Kiss—what’s not to love?
This “Open When…” letter writing trend got me to thinking, God has written an entire Bible full of love letters to us. In fact, the Bible is filled with precious promises, words of hope, words of wisdom, and the answers to any question we’ll ever have. It’s the original “Open When…” letter because no matter what we’re feeling or what we’re in need of, God’s Word contains the very life-filled words we need.
So, here’s my challenge to you this week: Make time to read the Word of God every single day and meditate on God’s personal love letters to you. Secondly, write letters to the loved ones in your life. They don’t have to be of the “Open When…” variety, and they don’t have to be elaborately decorated. They simply have to be heartfelt and handwritten.
Our words are powerful, so let’s use them wisely.
Pray this with me: Father, thank You for Your Word. Help me to be an encouragement to my family through my words—both spoken and written. In the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.
Adapted from When Chocolate Isn’t Enough: An Inspirational Survival Guide for Moms by Michelle Medlock Adams (Worthy Publishing, March 2015).
