Remembering others is a treasure worth holding onto

Like most people, Kathy and I stash our memories in boxes, keepsakes of value only to us, and yet among our prized possessions. Besides the photographs of days gone, greeting cards feature largely in the collection.

Births, housewarmings, Christmases, Valentines, Easters, and deaths—all marked by the arrival of cards in the mail with personal, handwritten messages.

Despite the onslaught of digital communications zipping around us, billions of greeting cards are still sold each year in the United States. Just like in days gone by, they offer a tangible way of connecting—something that emails or texts cannot deliver. It seems that in a world running at breakneck speed, there remains a need to stop and be thoughtful.

Greeting cards are no longer sent only by aging sweethearts, adoring mothers, and grandparents who beautifully write in cursive. Millennials and Generation Z (ages 44 to 13) are embracing the paper cards. People who know nothing about wall-mounted telephones and party lines, living their entire lives with computers, smartphones, and digital media, are also drawn to humorous cards, pop-up cards, and even ones with pet photos.

Innovative companies like Lovepops and Freshcut have created a buzz with all generations shopping online. Tried-and-true Hallmark, in stores in almost every community, continues to hold court as the leading greeting card company in the country.

Why the Resurgence?

There seems to be a renewed need for the tactile—something physical that can be held as a reminder of care and thoughtfulness. The artwork and messages are personal expressions of one’s feelings, from humorous to romantic to well wishes and condolences, given as attentive and kind expressions.

Cards become treasured keepsakes tucked into books, desk drawers, displayed on mantels, and in keepsake boxes. They are not lost in the Cloud but are real evidence that someone cares.

Choosing the right card is part of the experience of card giving and drives the variety of cards available. Depending on the personality, it takes only seconds to choose a card or can take longer if one reads every verse of a multi-tier poem, in the hopes of finding just the right one for the sender and the one receiving the card.

I quickly pass over the cards with paragraphs of words. It’s not that I am unsentimental; I am looking for the perfect but short, to-the-point message that encapsulates all my deepest feelings in about ten words. From walking up to the card display to walking out of the store takes me about 15 minutes.

Kathy, on the other hand, is more deliberate. She reads every word as she shops for the perfect card. The choices narrow down to two or three possible selections. One more read-through and she sets one aside, glancing at the card rack again just in case she overlooked a better one. Eventually, she arrives.

The styles of writing a personal message are equally important. Completing the card for me is succinct and to the point:

“Love, Dad!”

Kathy, alternatively, takes the opportunity to add personal missives to the already perfect card, just a paragraph or so, before signing and sealing. In that box of keepsakes of ours are several treasures addressed to me, and reading them brings back the warmest feelings. I know many readers have experienced the same.

A Biblical Model of Thoughtfulness

There are missives, just as dear to reread, in the Word of God. The apostle Paul took every opportunity to communicate to people who were important to him. His letters gave counsel, soothed disagreements, were instructive, and full of encouragement. He too took the time to send very personal messages.

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you…” (Philippians 1:3)

Isn’t that what we say, in essence, to all of those receiving the cards and letters we take time and care to send?

Jesus-followers know the Lord’s mandate:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,”

the Son admonishes in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, reminding His followers of the Father’s same command in Deuteronomy 6:5. And then He adds:

“Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Maybe that is what propels you and me to seek those aisles of greeting cards—to love our neighbors and those we hold dear. The pleasure of receiving a loving remembrance and knowing there is one who is thankful for us is the treasure—a treasure worth holding onto.

With thanksgiving to all of you, dear readers, I send personal greetings. Blessings, Jim.

Written by  Jim  Edminson, Editor of Charity & Children