Homesteading: A Woman's Journey

Lost Art of Letter Writing?

Let's face it, the world today is becoming very technology oriented.  With the advent of email, telephones and text messaging has letter writing taken such a back burner position that it is becoming a lost art?  It seems that when you go to your mail box today, you find bills or advertisements.  How long has it been since you received an actual handwritten letter or a card with a note tucked inside?

When I was young, I loved having pen pals and going to the mailbox to see what letters were there.  It was a joy to have these little notes and letters that I could save to read over and over again.  Some of the most precious were letters and cards that I received as a young adult from my Grandmother and my Father. 

Over the past couple of years, I have been taking part in circle letters with a group of Christian women from across USA and also a few overseas in Canada, New Zealand and Australia.  What a blessing it is to share stories and experiences with these women.  Sometimes the cicle letters are specific to a topic, other times they are simple "general chat" type letters talking about our families.  I am blessed also to have made friendships through these letters with many of the women.  As we get to know each other, we share our lives with one another, encouraging and praying for each others' families.

I love the quiet time I spend with the letters.  When Abigail is sleeping, I take the letters out to read & reply to.  There is such a peaceful tone to the day when I take the moments to read these letters.  I find in writing my replies that I am also at peace in a way that email and phone calls just cannot compare to.  There is a gentleness of spirit, a chance to slow your day down to a restful pace as you write.  The words used to express your thoughts are more fluid and descriptive than a computer can provide.  There is a "personal" feeling to the letters and an appreciation to the author of the letters I receive that they took the time out of their day to actually sit down and put pen to paper, writing a letter or note to me.

Is letter writing a lost art?  I hope not, though it seems less often people are willing to do it.  As our children grow up in an age of computers and the instant gratification of email & text messaging, we can instill in them the trait of hospitality in personal letters.  Starting with a simple "thank you" note for a birthday gift or other kindness shown to them or getting them involved in a penpal exchange through a reputable source.  One of the greatest methods to teach children to love writing letters is to show them by example.  Maybe write little notes to them and tuck in their school backpack for them to find later in the day.  Simple notes of love and encouragement to brighten their day and let them know how proud you are of them.

Stationary doesn't have to be fancy.  You can easily dress up the most plain of papers with rubber stamps or stickers.  If you are artistic, try designing your own line art design for your letters then make photocopies or have the line art design made into a rubber stamp.  There are many pretty papers available today at the craft stores.  You can purchase decorative papers in the scrapbooking section and make your own blank notecards.  While there, you can also purchase some beautiful colors of ink pens.  For the really adventurous souls, try your hand at using the calligraphy pens to make your letterheads & note cards.

Whatever style of stationary you choose, fancy or plain, have fun with the letter writing.  You may even try writing "letters" to your children in the form of a journal.  It would give them a keepsake to read through and learn more about your thoughts and ideas.  What a blessing it would be for them one day to share the journals with their own children! 

I pray that this has inspired you to remember letters or notes that you may have received in the past that had left an impression on you, maybe even inspired you to consider the art of letter writing again.

Untitled Comment

07:50, Friday, February 15, 2008 .. Posted by ZookeeperCat

Hm, funny thing, I was doing some paperwork this morning and thought of two elderly relatives of mine, and that it might be a good idea to try writing to them once a month. Exactly what you were saying--there's something about sitting down and handwriting a letter. I have my desk in a lovely south window, too....

Cat