Letters

How lovely it is to receive letters in the mail!  In this day and age of texting, email, and myriad other electronic communications, it is easy to forget the simple joy of receing a physical letter.

I happen to sponsor a woman in Nigeria, a Sister, through Women for Women International.  Her name is Grace.  I also sponsor a little girl in Haiti (Ashnaele) through Plan International.  Within the last couple of weeks, I have received a letter from Grace and a picture drawn by little Ashnaele (who is only 3 years old).  I must admit that I had been lax in writing to both of them first, yet each one (the little one through her parents, no doubt) reached out to me.  It makes it more real and personal to hear from them.

It was so lovely to receive the letter from Grace and the drawing from Ashnaele.  Yes, I have now written back to both of them and sent a picture to the little one in Haiti.  I need to upload some pics in order to send one to Grace, so will look to do that soon.

How easy it can e to forget that spending just a few minutes to reach out personally to another can mean so much.  I am grateful for the reminder that both Grace and Ashnaele provided, by their letters.  I am seeking to remember to reach out personally to others and hope you will do the same.  You never know when that simple, personal communication or smile, given in generosity, may change another's day or even their life.

Namaste!

Just needed to laugh!

How I needed to laugh!  Have you ever had one of those days (or weeks) when your spirit seems so dampened you can barely find the strength to keep your eyes open, much less actually function?  Perhaps work has you stressed or feeling blue.  Perhaps your home life has drained your energy.  Maybe both!  Perhaps other situations have resulted in you feeling about as energetic as stagnant water.

My energy was at its lowest ebb when I decided to take a little break and to start reading a new book by an author I enjoy.  It wasn't substantive reading - it was fun reading - something to entertain rather than to make me think.  When I started to read, I could barely keep my eyes open.  After reading for only a couple of minutes, I was laughing and suddenly had the energy to sit up straight and keep the eyes open.  That is when it came to me - I just needed to laugh!

We take life so seriously sometimes that we forget the healing joy of simple laughter.  So, I ask you, have you laughed today?