Dwelling so comfortably in these modern times which we live, calling someone or sending them a text is the most convenient and effective way to get in contact with them.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I am giving full credit to the masterminds of technology and the years of progress that it has taken to get to the advanced age that we are so privileged to take for granted. With this being said, we often forget the things that these texts and calls have taken the place of. If you couldn’t tell by the title, the one thing that this world could use a lot more of are handwritten letters.

Being in college has made me realize how extremely wonderful handwritten letters are. Looking in your mailbox and finding a card from some ladies at your home church wishing you good luck on exams or a silly note from your mom with her familiar handwriting telling you how much she misses you makes you feel so special. The great thing about letters is that you really can’t plan when people are going to get them. As hard as the mailman tries, he really cannot control the weather or any other disturbances which might disturb the letter from reaching a person in a particular time, so more often than not, letters come at the most surprising times. On more than one occasion, I have gone to check my mail expecting nothing but instead finding great joy in the form of a letter. Not only are these wonderful gestures fun surprises, but they are also really tangible, unlike text messages or calls. I’m telling you, folks, people have known that letters are the way to go since the very beginning.

So while college puts many miles between the closest of friends, this is my Public Service Announcement that there is an easy cure to making this distance not seem so far. In case you haven’t figured it out by now, the cure is letters. Letters are like hugs on paper, and the words that create them have the ability to change someone’s whole week around. So pick up that pen and start writing. Tell someone you love them, send them a verse or a quote that you found inspiring, or an article that you found interesting. Tell them how much they mean to you complemented by a great adventure you remember having with them or sharing plans for the next great adventure you’re already planning. Even if they don’t show outright appreciation for your act, find excitement in the fact that they knew that you took the time to write out a note meant just for them. And if that doesn’t make them happy, then I’m not sure what will.

So I don’t know about you, but I am a strong believer in handwritten letters.