The art of sending a letter or card to someone seems almost lost with the use of technology today. But this loss was definitely not forgotten this past weekend.
The school where my son is graduating from, Plant City High School, has a wonderful group of PTSA parents and faculty board. They had seen an idea for seniors from another school and decided to adopt this as a new tradition for PCHS. I for one am so grateful that Hunter had the opportunity to be a part of this inaugural year.
For over a month it was kept a secret from the graduating seniors as to what was occurring. What was happening? Former teachers, administrators, family members and close friends were asked to write a letter or card of encouragement to a graduate(s).
I was blessed to have been a part of relaying the information to the teachers at my school. When the cards and letters kept piling into my classroom, my heart would just smile with excitement for the recipients. I could just imagine them sitting somewhere, opening up their “Big Orange Envelope”, and carefully reading what others had to say about and to them.
This past Saturday was graduation rehearsal. This was the day that the seniors were to receive their package. Again, I had the honored opportunity to assist with this project by distributing this bundle of encouragements to the graduates. As they lined up to exit, they proudly, and with much eagerness, said their names. The look on their faces were difinitley one I didn’t expect from teens. I thought they would say their name, take the package, and be on their way. Well, they did, but their tone and expressions were filled with delight.
Some students opened their’s as soon as they got in their vehicles. They were sitting in the parking lot going through their bundle of encouraging letters. Others had to stay to rehearse more for the ceremony, and as the prinicipal noted during the Baccalaureate ceremony, one student found it unfair that they had to practice while so-and-so was sitting over their reading their letters. It was the first thing my son did when he got home. One parent said, “My child loved the ones from previous teachers the most – even more than mine!”
After Hunter read through his package, I couldn’t wait to read through the cards and letters myself. Wow! The words of wisdom, encouragement, and advice from all were priceless! The tears were streaming down my face at the words others were personally advising my son on his life. It was almost a unamious suggestion that he keeps his faith in God and to allow God to guide him in all his decisions.
The fine men, whom I had the pleasure of watching grow from youngins to godly men, touched my heart the most. “The Batley Boys” have always treated Hunter as their little brother. Their words of encouragement were definitely great “brotherly advice” that I know Hunter will appreciate even more as the days grow.
I know writing letters and/or sending cards to others may not be as convienent as shooting a quick email or a text or a tweet or a whatever form of communication you may use, but there’s must something about receiving something tangible via the US mail that seems a bit more personal.
I’d first of all like to thank everyone who wrote a letter to my son. (My cup runneth over.) Secondly, if you have written a letter or card to a graduate (from PCHS or wherever you’re from) thank you as well. I’m sure grads tear into the envelopes normally awaiting to see cash, check , or gift cards, but the words of wisdom, encouragement, and advice are priceless treasures that the receiver will invest wisely in. And finally, teachers, you (we) never know the impact we often make on certain individuals, or the impact they may have made on our own lives. But you do! The written word that comes years later to the graduate are appreciated.
I want to encourage all of us to write a letter today to someone who has impacted your life, or to a student who is graduating from high school or college. Be an encourager in someone’s life today. Share some words of wisdom you have to offer. Give some godly advice from lessons you’ve learned.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “So encourage each other and help each other grow stronger in faith.”
- Hebrews 3:13, “But encourage each other every day, while you still have something called “today.” Help each other so that none of you will be fooled by sin and become too hard to change.”
- Proverbs 16:24, “Kind words are like honey; they are easy to accept and good for your health.”
I pray God’s abundant love and blessings for y’all.