Do you remember the days when we had "pen-pals"? Well e-mail reminds me of those days. I did not realize until this weekend just how close we become to some of our group members.
Most of us start our days with a cup of coffee or a cup of tea and reading email. At least I do. I want to know that my internet is working and my online friends are safe.
When I read about their sadness, I feel sad, and I pray for them.
When I read about their happiness I feel happy, and I pray that their happiness continues.
When I read about their sickness, I am sad, and I pray that their sickness will end.
When I read about their heartache, I am sad, and I pray that their heartache will end.
When I read about their children being missing, I am fearful and I pray that the children will be returned home safely.
I laugh outloud at their jokes, and smile at the things that put a warm feeling in my heart, and pray that these good things continue.
I guess reading e-mail makes me say a great deal of prayers.
When a group shuts down, I feel a moment of panic because I am afraid that I will lose contact with the people I have bonded with. I pray that all is well with everyone.
I do not care what they look like or where they are from, or their ethnic group, or their religion, all that matters me to is that these are people with feelings.
Each day I invite them into my home and my life through e-mail. I swing my doors open willingly to let my friends in. So keep in mind...
When you bicker among yourselves, it makes me sad, so I pray for you.
When you insult one another, it makes me sad, so I pray for you.
When you disrespect one another it makes me sad, so I pray for you.
When you make nasty comments to one another it makes me sad, so I pray for you.
When you are insensitive to one another, it makes me sad, so I pray for you.
When you accuse one another, it makes me sad. so I pray for you.
When you are rude to one another, it makes me sad, so I pray for you.
When you are sarcastic with one another, it makes me sad. so I pray for you.
When you say something to someone through e-mail that you would never say if you were face-to-face, I feel sad, so I pray for you.
Life is too short for petty things. And once you hurt someones feelings you can not make it "right" again. Many times the solution to a problem is really a simple thing, it just takes all parties wanting to work together.
In summary...
Sometimes letting the group know that a solution is needed to a problem, and asking that everyone with a solution respond by a certain date is a start to finding the solution without hurting anyone's feelings. Once solutions are received, create a poll for the group. Polls are a great way to get the groups input.
Another way is to use adequate references in the subject lines. This allows the group members to use filters so that they can delete e-mail that does not interest them
Keep in mind, that e-mail is not as impersonal as many people believe. It is very personal for many of us.
