A Surprise in the Mail
I picked up the mail at the office one day last week during my lunch break and then later again from our house. Together it made a big stack. In sorting it into piles, I noticed the usual sales catalogs, garbage mail, bills, and a few important pieces. One was a piece from The Secretary of State for Renewal of my Drivers License. I opened it to see the details. It was a joy to behold since it allowed me the option to renew online, by phone, or on the internet. Wow, what a great gift! 
I get so tired of trying to keep up with everything. I dread taking time out of the office or time away from home to run another errand. None of us want to add things to our “to do” lists.
Options Welcomed
The options from the Secretary of State to renew my license made my day brighter. It was a simple idea and so welcome. What a nice surprise to receive this in the mail.
Mail was once a primary means of receiving the news. I recall my grandmother who was living in Illinois still getting her newspaper from a small town in Indiana via the mail each week. I think it made her feel connected to the people who still lived there. Mail brought people their paychecks. Mail was a central force for people to keep up on important things.
As a small child, I loved to see the political cartoons on the front page of the Chicago Tribune. It was my first touch of political humor. The best part of the paper was being able to send away for sewing patterns or game books that would come by mail. Cereal boxes had plastic toys that would arrive by mail. It taught us to address envelopes and write away for information. In Junior High we all wrote to a Chamber of Commerce in a town we wanted to visit. We were engaged to communicating in writing.
Receiving mail is a big thrill for children, but for adults it seems few treats come in the mail. I have a few friends who still write letters to me. It is nice to see what is happening in their lives. I feel connected with them on a personal level and return the favor quickly.
Although mail is annoying for some people, I think it slows us down enough to appreciate one another more. Thank you notes are more sincere. Birthday greetings made via mail takes more effort that a few clicks on Facebook. I don’t know about you, but I always feel more appreciated when that card comes with a note inside. So I try to return the favor.
I immediately thought “Hey God, this is a nice gift! What a mini miracle to top off a busy day!” Better yet, I took time after dinner to renew it that night, so it is under way. (Now to remember to renew my license sticker ahead of time too!)
So what has come in your mail lately? Start looking. It might be a rebate check for $5.00 from Menard’s, or a nice piece of news from a relative. Perhaps it is a birth announcement or an invitation to a party can bring an unexpected smile.
Enjoy your day and Delight in Living!