"Closings

“Closings”

 

When a storm threatens a community (most recently Hurricane Matthew) a list of closings (schools, roads, etc.) is usually broadcast in the interest of public safety. When we sell or purchase real estate the transfer takes place at a meeting referred to as the closing. When two opposite extremes begin to come together we sometimes call it closing the gap. These examples illustrate the variety of possible meanings the same word or phrase may have. So in dealing with life’s events it’s good to make sure all are in agreement with how terms are to be understood.

In grade school I remember lessons about letter writing and the parts involved, including what my teachers called the “complimentary close”. This was intended as a sign of respect, but over the years the endings of some letters I’ve found it necessary to send have been somewhat less than complimentary! The determining factor is almost always the circumstances involved.

Lately I’ve been thinking about how letters I’ve received and composed have been brought to closure. In those which have a business purpose I’ve often seen “Yours truly” or “Very truly yours”. (Sometimes, though, we don’t want to be “theirs”, whatever that means.) I’ve gotten letters and emails from friends concluding with “Best” and “Regards”. A generic ending can be “Sincerely” or “Sincerely yours”. Notes from family members and close friends may be signed “Love” or a variation thereof. But the ones I enjoy most are from fellow believers. Some I remember most fondly are “Because He Lives”, “In His grip”, “In His wonderful service”, and “Serving Him”. Personally I like to close my correspondence and these articles simply with “Blessings”.

In 12 of his 13 epistles the Apostle Paul ended with the same theme: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ” or “Grace be with you”. Sometimes he had to address unpleasant topics but his love for Christ and his recipients led him (by the Holy Spirit’s direction) to desire Jesus’ favor as the final thought. Maybe I need to change my preferred conclusion to “Grace and blessings”.

But the ultimate closing I want to hear is from Jesus: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21). Along with faithfulness in my walk and talk how I show grace and blessings to others will be determining factors in what I hear when I meet Him. May these and other qualities shape our lives to His glory!

Grace and blessings!

Jim McMillan