2 Thessalonians 3:17
THERE IS NOTHING QUITE like the charm and personal touch conveyed in a handwritten note. Since our penmanship, like our fingerprint, is altogether unique, each curve of the letter or stroke of the pen bears its own originality. Occasionally, it’s nice to think some still cared enough to throw efficiency to the winds and look you right in the eye, as it were, with their words.
Great documents of history are more valuable because they literally flowed from the writing instrument held in the hand of the significant person, including a signature. Such works as the early creeds, the first books, documents like the Magna Carta, the Constitution of the United States, the Gettysburg Address, and other original speeches and proclamations, not to mention journal entries and poems and songs and letters and love notes, were handwritten. Each helped shape the past and now forms a legacy of literary treasure so valuable it is beyond price.
I never fail to pause over those rare occasions in Scripture when the writer makes mention of some facet of the writing of the book or letter. My imagination and curiosity explode with ideas as I picture Paul, for example—ancient stylus in hand, the flicker of a candle as a chilly draft blows through the room, the flow of ink, and such moving words as these being formed by his fingers:
- “Here is my greeting in my own handwriting—Paul” (Colossians 4:18).
- “Here is my greeting in my own handwriting—Paul. I do this in all my letters to prove they are from me” (2 Thessalonians 3:17).
- “Timothy, please come as soon as you can. . . . When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers” (2 Timothy 4:9, 13).
Don’t allow the hyper-emphasis on speed and efficiency in our day to crowd out your personal touch. Periodically, spend the time it takes to write out in longhand your thoughts to a friend-leave a note of encouragement on his or her desk. Drop a personally written card in the mail. It speaks volumes. I assure you, the words you push through your fingers will never be forgotten.
Has God worked in your life in a significant way through Chuck Swindoll and the ministry of Insight for Living? Whatever your story, we’d love for you to tell it to us! Psalm 9:11 tells us to “declare among the peoples His deeds” so others can be encouraged. Submit your story.
Devotional content taken from Good Morning, Lord . . . Can We Talk? by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2018. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a division of Tyndale House Ministries. All rights reserved. The full devotional can be purchased at tyndale.com.
