Tip of My Iceberg

My friend Debby is a true relic.

She is a bona fide letter writer.

She doesn’t send a plethora of texts or emails. She thoughtfully, creatively puts words together to create a narrative that can be about daily doings, but reading it in print, with her beautiful take on words is almost like sitting across from her. Laughing and talking together.

Not only does she send letters, she takes the time to paint a picture that holds her words and communicates her deep friendship.

Going to the mailbox is typically dull. Mostly advertisements and bills. But on the days I get a letter from Debby, it changes my perspective.

Don’t get me wrong, I love hearing from friends any way I can. Communication is necessary to build relationships between people. To let someone know your heart is a gift that is given with trust.

What I love about Debby’s letters is the chance to reread them. She speaks from her heart, sharing small stories of her life, hopes, and challenges. Each one reveals more of who she is as a person, engaged on her own journey.

Honest communication is necessary for people to connect. Not sound bytes, not social media splashes, not seeking likes. Being authentic with someone lets them know who you are, how you can grow to trust them, Too often we’re satisfied with shallow interactions where it’s easy to question whether you truly know the person you’re seeking to connect with.

We need to have those sincere communications with one another. Not everyone can write a beautiful letter.

I ask myself periodically how many people actively seek me out to really know me? Who chooses to take the time to ask the hard questions? I’m a friendly sort, so I can talk to people fairly easily. But it isn’t as easy to let people in “all the way” to the whole me.

People can break our hearts.

God seeks to connect with us. He wrote an incredible love letter to us–the Bible. It’s the narrative of His love for all people, for He’s created each of us in His image–with emotion, will, and the ability to think and connect relationally with others. His love for us is real, and in the Bible, He speaks often of His heart for us.

“What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it–we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who He is or what He’s up to.” 1 John 3:1

God woos us to Himself with His truth, love, compassion, and forgiveness for us that He longs to lavish on us.

Connecting with people through honest and open communication guarantees that relationships can develop.

I must admit, my friend Debby is so much better at this than I am.

God is even better yet. His love and commitment to His own is forever.