Emoticants

 I love words.  I love the look of them, the sound of them, the meaning of them.  Languages amaze me.  Linguistics is my "thang" and I am still an old-fashioned letter writer. 

When electronic mail came on the scene, however, I resisted with a stiff back and upper lip.  For many months, I refused to send email to my friends and family!  "Why, it takes the life right out of the letter!" I declared from my soap-box. 

But over time, convenience and speed overcame my heart and mind, and I was a convert.

What was so funny is although I was sending messages electronically, I determined to print every single exchanged email and typed letter for the following ten years!  Recently, I undertook the arduous task of sorting through hundreds of pages of these notes and emails.  Okay, okay.  You're right:  mi-nu-tia.

About myself I learned that though those printed words I loved so much were influential and engaging, they were no substitute for the trumping power of presence and eye-to-eye relationships.  It is so easy, especially in this day and age, to send a quick text or shoot someone an email.  But don't be duped. 

Though there are many advantages in electronic messaging and communication, they are a far cry from the overwhelming benefits of squaring eyes and being present "tense" with the ones you care about. 

I hope I take time today and tomorrow and for the next 3650 tomorrows, if God allows, to seek out the presence of those I love, to hug their necks, to see their eyes, and to pat their backs...to enjoy a belly laugh or a good cry.

Emoticons notwithstanding.