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Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Write To Those You Care About
by Eric Elkin
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.
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?