Letters to God

A number of years ago a college teacher had a group of students keep a journal.  The rules were simple.  They had to make daily notes in their journals, and they were not allowed to show these to anyone.  He believed that people who put their personal feelings on paper experienced more satisfaction in their lives than those who did not.  At the end of the semester, the teacher used some tests to compare the journal keepers with the non-writers.  The results confirmed his belief.

Something about putting our thoughts down on paper frees us from the feeling of having no control over our lives.  Perhaps this is why journals and letters were so much a part of our ancestors’ lives.  In today’s world of instant communication with cell phones and e-mail, we still relish opening a letter and taking in all the words.  For a moment, it seems we get a glimpse of a writer’s soul.  We recently found a postcard with a cryptic message that our older daughter once sent us from camp.  She wrote, “Dearest Mom and Dad, We have one girl in our group who is really mean.  I will tell you what we did to her underwear when I get home.  Love, Katie.”  No child ever said so much in so few words.

Some notes can be prophetic.  While this same daughter was still in high school, one day on a whim, Ann made a list.  In no particular order she wrote down all the qualities she wanted in this daughter’s future husband.  Ann slipped the list into an old family Bible and forgot about it.  Several years later Katie married a true soul mate who turned out to be not quite what we expected. 

Some time after the wedding we rediscovered the list.  We could almost hear the good-natured laughter of our Lord.  In large letters Ann had written on her list, “Sense of humor.”  Today Katie lives in Los Angeles with her truly terrific husband, who happens to be a comedian and magician.

Writing can be as intimate an experience as praying.  What better way to communicate with God during those times when we are unable to “say” a prayer?  Some years ago during a particularly dark time in my life, I wrote a letter to God.  He answered my written prayer.  Our God is most patient.  He enjoys hearing from us, even if it has been years since the last real contact.  Why not jot down a few notes during Lent?  You don’t even need a stamp.  It is a relief to know that God takes our prayers seriously.  He answers with wisdom, and perhaps now and then, even with a sense of humor.