Wednesday, April 13, 2011

The Lost Art of Letter Writing

Several months ago, I borrowed a delightful little book from my dear friend Carmen called The Lost Arts of Modern Civilization. This little book was such a gem to me!



One of my favorite chapters was the chapter on the lost art of letter writing. Do you all even remember how to mail a handwritten letter to a dear friend or family member? Today it's all about email and facebook and text messaging.


Do you remember the days when you would open the mailbox and find a letter with your address handprinted on the envelope? Do you remember how excited that made you feel? I know I do! It's extremely rare to find one of those nowadays, isn't it? And when we do get one, it's so exciting!


This chapter on letter-writing discussed the importance of getting back to the roots of communication. And it really made me think about how good I could make others feel just by taking the time to jot down a few thoughts on paper rather than computer screen and send it in the mail rather than over the information superhighway.


There is a dear woman that attends church where we attend, and she always writes personal little notes in our Christmas cards to our family. Knowing that she took the time to personalize our card means so much to us. In fact, her card this past Christmas was so encouraging that I have had it pinned to my bulletin board for daily encouragment.


And so I've been trying to practice this lost art more frequently. My first letter was to my wonderful friend, Carmen, since she was the one who loaned the book to me and since she is my dearest friend. And how overjoyed I was when I received one back from her a week or so later. And granted, we only live a stone-throw away from one another! :)


So, I challenge you ladies to think of someone whom you could bless with a handwritten letter. Go ahead and do it, and I think you'll find much enjoyment in it! And just think of how special and blessed the recipient will feel!

Now I'm on the lookout for some pretty stationary. It's hard to find these days!

Have a blessed day!

5 comments:

Just Another Day In Paradise said...

I was so impressed with the way you wrapped my giveaway book that I won! I thought "Wow, you dont see such creativity like this anymore!"

Heather said...

I couldn't agree more! I get giddy whenever I get a personal note or letter in the mail, but it happens far too seldom. It really is a lost art, that and handwriting. I put a lot of effort into my penmanship.

You've inspired me (and you've been doing that a lot lately!) to sit down and write my a few letters...

P.S. - Are you near a Michael's? Their $1 section always has really cute stationery.

Unknown said...

I think I'm going to have to track that book down and read it. I so loved to send letters and especially to receive them! I miss that so much! Something so loving about a handwritten letter and personalized note cards!

Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking said...

Oh what a great post! I hope this inspires others to pick up paper and pen and actually write a letter. I still do it and love to hear how the person I mailed it to was so happy to receive it! It really is becoming a lost art and it just shouldn't be.

The McEacherns said...

I still enjoy writing letters, especially to those who write back!