Every day we receive five to ten pieces of mail. Every day our local mail carrier delivers thousands of pieces of mail. How does one simple letter in a white envelope generate so much excitement?

             A few Monday’s ago, there was a knock on our door. I opened it and there stood the mail carrier who said as she handed me an envelope, “here I believe your son has been waiting for this.” I don’t believe the mail carrier is a member of the church of Jesus Christ.

She was just a wonderful person bearing wonderful news. “You are the best!” I said as she departed. She knew that this one envelope was a treasure to a young man and his family.

              Why is one letter so critical when over the course of a year we receive literally 1000’s of pieces of mail. Why is this one letter so precious?

              This letter is precious and one of a kind for three reasons.

              Most people in their lifetime will never receive a letter filled with such anticipation and emotion. I have witnessed many young men and women open this type of letter with nervousness, excitement, and emotion. I have seen tears, spirit filled relief and shouts upon the opening of these precious letters.

              Second, less than one tenth of one percent of the world will ever receive a letter signed by a prophet of God. This Modern Moses, this prophet sends out limited mail, and in this limited amount of mail are these precious letters.

              Third, this letter is literally a calling from Christ. Again, only a small percentage of the world will ever accept and receive a calling from Christ. The letter says you will be an official representative of his Church and a minister for him.

              This letter is one page, but it is the most thrilling, most anticipated, most rewarding letter most people will ever receive in their lifetime. The letter is filled with life changing assurances, instructions, and promises.

              I am grateful for the greater views that one simple letter in a white envelope from the First presidency brings to those desiring to serve God. I am grateful for the experiences that I have had as a young man, as a parent, and as a friend witnessing the opening of some of the most precious letters ever.