You've got mail!

Am I the only person who loves the sound of AOL's announcement when signing online, "You've got mail?!?!?" It's possible, in which case, I'll work on getting a life! I may be in serious trouble here, because, more exciting than that announcement is driving to the mail box and finding a handwritten note from a blogging friend! Yes, I said it--I've got friends! Blogging friends!

I've written before, and will say it again, one of the best things about blogging is the friendships, community if you will, that have developed over time and cyberspace. At first, I was reluctant to believe that real, authentic, and lasting friendships could happen; after all, we hardly know one another. But is that really true?

Daily we share the comings and the goings of our life, the dreams and struggles, the highs and lows. We can drop in anytime without causing any trouble! Our hearts are drawn to one another as we share similar experiences of parenting, of relationships, of work, school.....and life. We're a little like pen pals....secret buddies....that provide support and encouragement, understanding and care from a distance. Does distance really matter?

I, boldly say, NO! Opening my note yesterday afternoon, I read with delight, my handwritten message from Cindy who lives miles from me, in a city I may never have known existed before beginning this blogging adventure. I have posted how I "met" Cindy here. Over the past year, we have continued to learn and grow from each other and soon began emailing. With, I'm guessing, an element of caution, we each exchanged phone numbers and addresses, and I'm here to attest, she is not a serial killer, stalker, or criminal (as to that matter--neither am I)! Not that any of these people aren't worthy of friendships--or anything--you know what I mean!

Before I get into too much trouble...back to the note! What a joy to see her return address on the envelope; what a delight to see her handwriting in the card. Bit by bit, our friendships unfold; bringing to light the way God uses, yes, even the internet, to bring just the right people in our lives at just the right time. You see, the happenstance that brought Cindy to my attention was so much more than just that: it was a God-thing. Much like the way I met Kristen, or Dawn, or Sema.......God is using the internet to bless and work in his Body.

Do I hear a PTL????

As Cindy so beautifully proclaimed in her handwritten note, "Don't you just love how the internet brings us all together?" Yes, Cindy, I love it!