Tuesday, February 27, 2007

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!

10 comments:

Dawn said...

I do oh, so, agree!! I wish I had lots more time to keep in touch with so many more people. But the ones I do have so touched my life! I cannot even believe it. I can't wait till we all meet - at least in the next life if not before!

C. H. Green said...

Smiles. Was wondering if you had gotten your little note. I had it all laid out on the table to mail, and Chase thought it was a birthday invitation for him (can't read cursive) and opened it. Had to redo it. LOL.

Diane@Diane's Place said...

I agree, Diane. And I'm thinking that many of my blogging friends are going to be lifelong friends, too.

I have good news! I'm a new great-aunt! Mom and baby are doing beautifully! Check out my blog when you get a chance to see pics and read the details.

Thanks for your prayers, Diane. We are so thankful for your love and care.

Love and hugs,

Diane

Linda said...

I was completely taken by surprise by how much blogging would come to mean to me. You've said it perfectly. This is a precious community. God has used it to bless me in ways I never anticipated.

Dawn said...

What you said today in the comment is so true! The part I really dislike is writing those denial letters to 3/4 of the applicants. Did you read Barb's post about her future SIL, Aaron, getting into our program? It's way too cool! I want to tell you all about it.

Come and visit!! Or come and stay! DC would love to take you up there to see it up close and personal.

Anonymous said...

I posted this week about a favorite blogging friend--we've just discovered that we live 20 miles apart! How cool is that?!!

Sharon Lynne said...

I would rather blog, or read blogs in the evening rather than watch T.V. It's a nice to connect with real people!

Sista Cala said...

Second try, trouble w/service.
Lost my inspiration. Basically, I just wanted to say thanks for being a good friend to me, my sister and the many we know in the blogosphere.

Jada's Gigi said...

I love love my blogging friends! Blogging has virtually saved my sanity many a time and some of my cyber friends are very "real" to me. I feel as if I have dropped by their house for a minute when I visit them

Profbaugh said...

What a blessing our cybersisters are!! I totally agree with you, although I just joined the blogging world in June of this year. I've been amazed to see how much support and connection there is here. Can't wait to get to know you better. So keep blogging and I'll keep reading.

~Cheryl