Circle of Others

 

Yesterday, I offered a few questions to help you explore the mystery of your life.  One of the questions was about five important people.  Today, I invite you to pick one and write that person a love letter.  Don’t worry, you don’t have to send it.  There is no “should” or “have to” or earning a badge for your heavenly sash.  This is a chance to let loose the love in your heart for another person.  You can write to a person who is alive or in God’s eternal embrace.  I do encourage you to write the letter by hand.  I know that is old school.  Don’t worry, I am not asking you to go buy a feather quill and ink or fancy paper made from Egyptian plant fibers ~ I mean if you want to, go ahead.  Know that the back of an envelope will do, or you may need several.  You could start this letter by expressing gratitude for ways this person shared God’s love with you.  I encourage you to be specific.  Thank the person for making you laugh so hard, especially that one time at school when milk spurted out your nose.  Thank the person for handing your hand and not trying to fix/solve/dismiss or diminish your pain when the marriage ended.  Thank the person for giving you that gift you treasure or going with you on that car trip to see the biggest ball of twine.  Or maybe you thought of someone who you have a rocky relationship with, who you love, but sometimes frustrated you.  Ask for forgiveness for your participation and let go of the pain (note this is rarely a one and done process ~ often it is the slow ripening of the soul that forgives bit by bit each day).  Maybe you want to tell this person about an ordinary day you just had.  Your letter doesn’t have to be spectacular; it probably won’t be published or the Smithsonian probably won’t ask you for your letter to store in their archives.  This is a chance to be honest, open, and willing (that is where HOW is a acronym for living life ~ H for honest, O for open, and W for willing).  And prayer practices like writing letters to people who left fingerprints upon your heart help remind us how love shows up in our lives.  With God’s love to each of you.  Amen.