The ink on the envelope in the familiar hand makes me smile. It’s from Nigel Goodwin, our friend across the pond, who means so much to us. His letters, always written by hand, are like a warm hug for my heart. We’ve collected quite a stack of hugs from him through the years.
Thinking about our loving and wise, creative, artist, Jesus-follower friend, I drop the bills and junk on the kitchen island and pull out my vintage letter opener (because opening this envelope deserves a little ceremony).
The first line of a letter from Nigel always goes something like this: “Very dear friends” or “Very dear threesome” or “Special love and greetings to you all three.” I can hear his voice, that lovely British accent, reading along with me.
He fills the page with a little bit of news and a lot of encouragement for all three of us—by name. His words radiate warmth. They are gifts to be read and re-read.
I can picture his contagious smile and twinkly eyes and wish we could sit down over lunch and catch up. But for now, our dear friend has stepped into my day and made it better because he thought of us and spent a few minutes letting us know.
April is Letter Writing Month. Of course, anytime is a great time to write a letter, but it’s good to be reminded. I’m thinking now of a few people who might appreciate some warm words of encouragement. And it’s time for me to send a hug back across the pond.
Has someone been in your thoughts lately? Let them know. Pick up your pen and dash off a few lines to them. You’ll both be glad you did.
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