Letter to a Friend

Writing a letter to a friend has often been my solution for a mild attack of writer's block. When the dreaded malady struck again the other day, I thought, why not address my letter to God? He certainly is my friend; the best friend I ever had. So, plopping myself in front of the computer I began:

"My Dear Heavenly Father,

I've really been meaning to spend some extra time with you, so here I am. I wish I could say thank you for this wonderful day, but the truth is, it hasn't been all that wonderful, so far. The phone has been ringing off the hook; I have done so many rewrites on my Fund-Raising article, I feel like trashing the whole project; the kids are fighting over a prize in the cereal box; and I have a miserable cold and a headache that is about to change my entire view on suicide."

That's pretty much the way my letter started. But I decided I wouldn't quit until I had written at least a hundred lines. (My computer shows a line count at the bottom of the screen so it's easy to keep track of.) By line 50, I was beginning to feel better. Once in a while, a praise even sneaked its way onto the screen.

"Father, I love You, and really thank You for all the things You do that show Your love for me. According to James, You are responsible for every good thing; things like salvation, family, friends, home, health, etc. And I praise you for them all."

In no time, I had reached line 100, but couldn't seem to stop the praises crying out to be expressed. And I hadn't even begun to pray for the needs of my family and friends.

"Please help that loved one, Father. Create circumstances to prevent them from turning to any one but You. Help my Dad make the right decision concerning the disposal of his business. I know that You care for him even more than I do. And send a friend to the elderly lady that sits at the back of the church. If I am to be that friend, please show me how to approach her. Be with my daughter at work. Help her find a solution to the problems she is having with fellow workers. The Smith baby is having tests for cancer. Please comfort those young parents as they await the test results. I know that you are the Great Healer, and I ask You to heal that child completely." Etc., Etc., Etc.

Line 300! Where had the afternoon gone? Quickly, I skimmed back through the body of my letter. In some places, I recognized the spot where I had laid a heavy burden down. In others, I saw my soul being exposed.

Finally, feeling totally cleansed, and in touch with God, I signed the letter, firmly pushed the delete button, and watched my agony and my praises disappear into nothingness on my computer screen.
Then, I headed for the kitchen to plan dinner for my family. Maybe, tomorrow, I would write another letter to my friend.