This winter I enjoyed reading Jan Karon’s newest book, My Beloved. In the story, Father Tim decides to write his wife a letter as his Christmas gift to her. He painstakingly chose words and phrases to describe his love for her. Then the letter gets lost and the rest of the book describes where that tender post travels and all the people who read his personal sentiment!
As I read the book, I was struck with the impact that a hand-written expression of love can make.
The truth of that is stashed away in my bedroom in hat boxes whose lids sit precariously tilted because they are crammed full of hand-written notes and letters that were too precious to toss away. There’s something so special about seeing the hand writing of the sender, my name carefully inscribed on the letter, followed by tender words. Most are from Dale, and many are from my parents and my daughters. Their purposes were varied, but whether it is a thank you note, a birthday greeting or a letter of love, they all are precious to me.
If you’re struggling with a Valentine gift for your husband, why not consider writing him a letter – you know, the kind on a sheet of paper and then sealed in an envelope? Express your respect for the man he is. Tell him what makes him special. Remind him of a favorite memory you share. If you don’t know how to get started, follow Father Tim’s lead and begin with, My Beloved…
May this post do two things-
1. Encourage you to write a Valentine letter. It might be your sweetheart, or a parent or grandparent, a child or a dear friend – anyone whose impact in your life has been significant.
2. Give you the little push to re-read some of the treasures you’ve saved. Even if they’re not from a Valentine, they will still fill your heart with the sweetness of treasured memories.
Happy Valentine’s Day,
RefreshHer 