This year for Lent I chose to add a spiritual practice to my daily rhythm.  My plan was to write a card to someone every day of Lent. It is such a special thing to get an actual, hand-written, note in the mailbox in the mix of ads, bills, and mass mailings.  I hoped to provide a piece of joy in the day as I send notes of appreciation, care, encouragement, and personal connection with those who I care for.

As with starting any discipline like this – things were great at first.  I was excited and eager to write my cards. I had so many ideas of people to write to and ready to get started. Then all of this pandemic stuff happened, and I lost the pattern of connection and care. So much has shifted and so much is uncertain – as I’m sure you can relate -- I lost my focus. 

But I returned to it last weekend. I sat with a candle burning at my home altar and wrote some cards to make up for the days I missed. What a gift this time was for me as I wrote to family in California ordered to stay home, to a relative who is leading as an executive at a large regional health care system, and to friends far away I just don’t connect to as much as I’d like. What an important time to receive a hand-written note, I couldn’t have anticipated how powerful this spiritual practice would be. 

We are in such an odd time and place. But we have an opportunity to be intentional about our connections.  I encourage you to not let go of those relationships that are meaningful.  Write a card or letter, call someone on the phone to check in and see how they are doing (really!) or use technology to stay connected.

I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. ~Philippians 1:3-6