May mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance. Jude 1:2
Hand written notes and letters surely are becoming passé these days and how I miss them! Not to diminish the importance of other methods of communicating, but it feels so good when I do find that occasional note in the mail! More often than not though, it is a predictable response to a gift given for a celebratory occasion, or something like that, the words often robotic; but sometimes it is instead, a thoughtful note, filled with heartfelt words written, which create feelings of being cared about, thought about, and loved.
I love this salutation Jude uses in his letter to Jesus’ followers. Yet as a valediction, it leaves us with something to think about too, for these words are a blessing, one we can share with everyone. To me, ending a note with words like these is a form of deep and caring prayer for that individual we are communicating with.
Mercy, peace and love . . . when we are filled with mercy – when our hearts are compassionate and caring, aware of the need around us and with feeling take action – we are certainly better able to feel peace-full at the end of the day. Peace that is not determined by earthly success or reward –rather the peace of heart that remains after giving of oneself in doing good, in carrying out the work we inherently know within we are called to do. And with peace of heart, we can be fairly certain that what we have done with good intentions, has come from a loving heart – a heart abundantly full of God’s loving grace.
I think I am going to write some much overdo notes . . . .
In our communication with each other, remind us to call on you to fill them with your blessings, Lord!
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson