| 2 John 1:12 – “Though I have many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, so that your joy may be made full.” |
I loved writing letters as a child, especially to my grandparents in Minnesota. Letters from them did not come very often and were usually filled with routine details like the weather or how the kittens were doing. Each letter ended with the question, “When are you coming to visit?” How I treasured those words and could imagine their farm with the cats in the barn or the long walk to the outhouse.
My grandparents were in their 40’s when they got married (something very unusual for the times) and in their late 70’s by the time I was born. They passed away a long time ago, but I remember them as two kind and gentle people who wanted little more than to spend time with us grandchildren. I know they treasured my letters, just as I did theirs, but the words paled in comparison to a visit from us.
Grandpa would let us help him on the farm, care for the animals or play in the barn. His gentle voice led us in devotions each morning. Grandma was always busy with cooking or cleaning or growing the most beautiful flowers, but when she did take a break, it was often to beat me at a game of Chinese checkers or to play hymns on her old piano, a piano I later inherited. She was quiet, soft-spoken, tender-hearted, and kind. Our letters back and forth were special and something I treasure to this day, but nothing beats the time we were able to spend together in person.
God has written hundreds of letters to us – words of love and faith and forgiveness. The Bible is full of His wisdom, guidance, and plans for us. And while we do not mail physical letters to Him, He does love to hear from us, both the good and the bad. He wants us to share the details of our lives with Him, even how things like the weather affect us, and He wants to listen to our fears and worries. But just imagine what it will be like when we finally get to be together! Not only will our joy be made full, but His as well.
Prayer: Dear Father, how I treasure the letters you have written to me. Your love and kindness pour out on every page. Help me to respond to those words with words of my own — words of faith and trust and gratitude. But more than anything, I long for the day when I can see you face-to-face and express that love in person. What a joyful day that will be! Amen.
– Betty Gossell
