Write To Those You Care About

by Eric Elkin

“To Timothy, my dear child. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”

— 2 Timothy 1:2

Cooper Manning is the Manning brother who did not make it to the NFL. He was, however, a very talented ball player. In college, Cooper experienced a life-altering injury that ended his football career. Peyton Manning was devastated by the injury, perhaps, even more than Cooper. Peyton wrote Cooper a letter telling him the things he could not say face-to-face. The letter was a source of healing for both of them. I often think of this story when contemplating writing a letter.

I, however, am the master of unsent letters. My unsent letters represent the words I want to share but never do. Sometimes the words are written in my head. In my quiet moments, on walks, or in prayer, I think of what I want to say to someone. In my thoughts, I write a beautiful letter. Yet, my mind becomes dull when I try to put them on paper. So it never happens.

Then there are the letters I do write. Not an email or some document typed out using Microsoft Word, but an actual handwritten letter. These words are well thought out and meaningful. Sometimes they are risky as I attempt to express a deep concern or desire for the intended recipient. Yet, for some unexplained reason, I never send them.

There is a Walter Mitty character dwelling in my mind. This character allows me to pretend that I said what I wanted to say and that I sent the letter I intended to send. He even helps me create a scenario where my words are well-received and life-changing for the recipient. But reality hits when cleaning out a drawer full of old documents, and I find all the letters I did not send. It depresses me, and I cannot figure out why I do it over and over again.

“Writing, to me, is simply thinking through my fingers”

— Isaac Asimov

I never met Paul or Timothy. Yet, I know them through words. These words written in 2 Timothy reveal the two are friends who care deeply for each other. The first nine words set a tone so deep I can feel it two centuries away. “To Timothy, my dear child. Grace, mercy, and peace…”

Reading this greeting from Paul to Timothy makes me think about all the people I want to write. People who have played a critical role in my life. Many of them are in my thoughts every day. I speak to them, but in a way they cannot respond or know that I am talking to them. Wouldn’t it be better, for them and me, if I wrote these thoughts down and sent them?

Today’s reflection is a challenge. Who is your Timothy? Who is the person you think about with deep affection but never write to them? I invite you to sit down and write them a letter. Then, do not be like me. Send the letter. As soon as this reflection gets posted, I promise to do the same. Remember, God did not give you a spirit that is timid, but one that is powerful and loving.

Click to read 2 Timothy 1:1-8

Reflection Questions:

When was the last time you wrote a letter?
Who is a person you care about but have not told them how much you appreciate them?
What would you like to say to that person?

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