My wife and I will soon mail out hand-written postcards to remind voters about the importance of the coming election. As we do this work, we find ourselves reflecting about more than getting the addressee’s names written correctly and writing the same message over and over legibly.
This might seem like mindless work, but it isn’t. Chris and I have noticed a definitely spiritual cast to what we’re doing. Because we write the same carefully phrased message—it’s hopeful, appreciative, and inviting all at the same time—its underlying logic burns into our brains. As we approach the completion of this political season, we want to retain that same mindset. What’s true and noble bears repeating. Often, insistently, broadly. That’s what these cards do.
The names and addresses of recipients help inspire imaginative gratitude for our fellow citizens. (Their names and addresses come to us from an organization that gathers together people who want to unite people instead of dividing them.) We see the wonderful variety of people who comprise this one nation under God—and we’re glad about that. We send small bursts of prayer heavenward and invisible spurts of energy toward the lives of these individuals. From their addresses, we see that they live all over the country; that some may be students and that their circumstances likely range across the spectrum of economic well-being. That brings joy, too.
The work can be tedious, but it’s always satisfying. Purposeful, too. In our thoughts and prayers, we imagine drawing together a large company of people across the country who have not given into hate, anger or despair. Our cards remind them of who they are and what power they hold in their vote.
That’s why we’re going to keep writing, meditating and praying….
