(Out of the Blue} Real mail matters

My friend Sarah and I text nearly every day. We can stay connected by swapping stories and updates via text because her voice comes through so clearly that way. And it's not like our combined five kids 6 and younger would let us talk on the phone for any length of time.

Of course, she lives just 1.6 miles away so we do lunch or meet at the park regularly. We go to the same church and usually eat lunch afterward. But during the week, she has her 3 kids -- almost 4 years and younger -- in tow while I bring Ben to the mix. Her oldest and my youngest are just 24 days apart so they only know life with each other.

And we like it that way.

Sarah is a sympathetic friend who remembers details of any story I share and then follows up with genuine interest as these stories develop. She asks questions. She encourages. And she is one of the least judgmental people I know. {And she has great knowledge of and love for children's books. She started a lovely blog where she reviews books you'll want to get in your kids' hands.}

Earlier this month, I was sorting through mostly junk mail when I saw a piece of "real mail" addressed to me in familiar handwriting. I noticed Sarah's address in top left corner and opened the envelope to find a multi-page, handwritten letter.

These words she took the time to compose matter to me. She matters to me. This community we're in together matters. And while some of our friendship is predictable in such a welcoming way, this old-fashioned letter was such a sweet, out-of-the-blue surprise. It was tangible love showed right there in my mailbox.
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In fact, this letter and some other recent gestures have me thinking about ways to be a good friend, whether you're local or long distance. So much so I have posts on those topics brewing for the next few weeks. Stay tuned! 

I'm linking up with Kristen Strong, who reminds me to notice the moments, especially the Out of the Blue ones. 

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