Words and Paper
It seems that a writer’s life is lived through paper, measured by words. On that paper, we have a tangible representation of the thoughts we thought, the life we lived. How strange it is, then, to go back and read what one wrote in years past. If one would write, one should learn to be careful what one puts down on paper. Some things, I wouldn’t want my grandchildren reading, even after I’m gone!
But then there are the pieces of paper that make me laugh. The letter I wrote to myself setting forth all the reasons I shouldn’t fall in love with Merritt (such as, “he communicates so well you’ll never be able to complain about your husband,” etc.), and the paper on which I had listed names for 13 future children (I would name them alphabetically, of course! Abigail Beth, Caleb Daniel, etc. all the way to Yvette Zoe, for one must finish the alphabet!).
Maybe the reason it takes so long for me to sort paper is that I must read every sheet before I decide what to do with it. (Thankfully, one can judge a book by its cover enough not to read it before one packs it!) Much went in the garbage. And those silly love poems and all the un-sent letters go in an envelope to give Merritt someday, so he can laugh at the girl who has always been so crazy about him.
Yes, words are for remembering, pens are for deciding what to remember, and paper is for remembering again. That’s why I’m glad Merritt and I have written letters all these years, so we’ll never forget the hard times God brought us through, so we always remember the love we shared…
Beautiful . . . it’s so neat to share in this time in your life through the YLCF. Thanks for being an encouragement to so many. God bless you! I should write in my diary tonight . . . 馃檪
Gretchen,
I thought I was the only one that had boxes of special papers! I got a blessing, a smile and some laughter out of your post. I am so excited for you and Merritt. May God richly bless you!
Gretchen, you are so right. I say so many things on paper that I never say in person. Many times I go back and read what I have written, and it is such an awesome reminder of where God has brought me through my life! I love to write, and it is such a priviledge to be given the gift of the written word!
Thank you for a lovely post, Gretchen. 馃檪 I communicate much better in writing than I do speaking, and I am very thankful that God gave us words. Words, written or spoken, create memories…either special memories to be treasured, or heart-breaking memories to be sorrowfully remembered. What you wrote is so true, Gretchen. I especially like this part, “Yes, words are for remembering, pens are for deciding what to remember, and paper is for remembering again.” Often I hesitate to write about the hard times in my life, because I don’t want to remember them. But you reminded me of the truth that what we write is a testimony to future generations. A testimony of God’s faithfulness and what He has done in our lives. I want to create memories on paper. When my memory fades, I want to be able to read what I wrote, and remember what God has done…
God bless you and Merritt, Gretchen!
And now I think I will go write for awhile…
Ah, I’m afraid my story will be similar to yours on the paper thing when my time comes to move. =) Yes…my pages full of words and boxes full paper probably show the real me better than a thousand pictures. =)
And…how true! We must be aware that what we write is the record we leave…we must be careful with what we write as much as ever we are with the spoken word!