Mail.

I love mail. Mail of every type, every shape, every size, every significance. As long as it's personal. Junk mail, throw it out. But you get that cute card from a friend and you smile before you even shut the mailbox. Or that one colored envelope amidst the masses of cell phone advertising sheets, and you just can't wait to see what is inside. There is something so personal about a real letter or real card. A real signature. Then there is the knowing someone took the time to pick out the card, read its writing or write their own in the blank space, look up your address, purchase a stamp, and walk to the post office slot. All to think of blessing you through tangible thought. It doesn't even have to say much, it can be just a signature for goodness sake, but there is still something about it that creates joy.

My mom and I have loved mail for decades. She was a card sender like no other, and I have grasped this trait of hers. I have stacks of cards I have kept from her. Then there is the file of letters that I tuck away for safe keeping -- everything from friends encouragements, camp kids crayoned pictures, scrawled notes kept private, or exhortations from those I cherish. I love keeping them, paging through them, smiling and being encouraged by them. I get soft and gooey and giggly and excited just by grabbing the pieces and carrying them inside.

Mail. Tangible Thought. There is something so special about it; it makes me smile. :)