(Close of a letter to the President of Pennsylvania)
Your Excellency’s
Most obedient
and most humble servant –
Thomas Jefferson
Good day,
It’s interesting, and perhaps a little embarrassing, to compare communications styles over the ages.
Paul the Apostle begin his letter to the Church in Thessalonica with, “Paul, Silvanus and Timothy, to the Church in Thessalonica which is in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace. We always thank God for you all, mentioning you in our prayers continually.”
It was common in Colonial times to begin a letter with a variation of, “I hope this letter finds you and your family well,” and even George Washington closed his letters with “Your obedient servant, G. Washington.” It was such a common complementary close that it was often abbreviated as “Your obdt. svt.,”
When I was learning to write, we began each letter with, “Dear” even if we had never even met the person, and usually closed the letter with “Sincerely.”
Today, few write letters; as a matter of fact writing anything of length or consequence, being content to text, tweet or snap a selfie.
Wishing you a fine Sunday with family or friends, I remain yours truly,
Steve
sfnowak 
It could only be a heart, mind and pen like yours, Steve, to notice and make note of the “extra mile” things in life–which are always measured in inches.
What a way to start out a letter or note: “Peace be to you.” And what a way
to say goodbye in a letter: “Continued blessings and success!” It’s like a smile with a future in it.
Fabulous idea for a post…and fabulous post. Thank you.