She went to the mailbox and it was empty. Well, except for the usual junk mail that inundates all of us. All this mail and not much substance to it. And then it happened. One day as she opened the cover of the mailbox, and looking through the pile of advertisements, a piece of mail caught her eye. It was a letter from a friend she had not heard from in a long time.

Once inside, she opened the envelope to find this wonderfully written letter from her friend of the past. It was an inspirational letter, full of details of her life and her journey. The letter ended by saying that she wanted to continue writing her on a regular basis.

In our busy world, we would rather dispatch a short e-mail or text message. It takes more effort to write a letter. It also gives the letter writer a chance to pause and reflect on what is truly meaningful.

I personally have been writing an unbroken chain of 10 years of monthly letters to family and friends. I have learned so much about myself. My letters have helped me build wonderful relationships with so many people. It has been a personal ministry that I am passionate about and love to do.

When we take the time to write a friend or loved one, we find ourselves focusing on others and how we can brighten their day. Our lives should be about connecting with people. We were not created to be alone. Writing a letter to a friend or someone who is struggling may be their only source of encouragement that day. While I love to write letters, I dearly love to receive them. I feel appreciated and loved knowing that someone has taken the time to send me their thoughts.

We should all strive to make our world a better place. We can all do small things that will show great love to others. Maybe your next trip to the mailbox will have a surprise. A letter from a friend or maybe you could fill the mailbox of a friend with a heartfelt sentiment from yourself.

If you are not afraid of sharing your story with others, then go ahead and write a letter to a friend. When we "open-up" to others, we show our true selves. We feel good about what we have done, and we will build stronger relationships with those that receive our letters.

Try it. Today. Write just one letter to a friend, family member, your spouse or someone who needs to hear from you… your friend is waiting!

Author Jeffrey Faulkner resides in Lancaster, Ohio, and is the author of "Letters of Enlightenment." He received his bachelor’s degree from Ohio University, Athens. Faulkner’s hobbies include running 5k’s, half marathons, sports and gardening. He is a part of a group who assist those in poverty, scripture studies, and a RCIA leader for his church.