The letters of C. S. Lewis have been published in three hefty volumes over the past few years. Thanks to my son's generosity, I've been reading the letters as each volume became available.

Any number of matters clamor to be addressed. The letters offer glimpses into Lewis' personal life and spiritual journey, his career, the development of many of his published works, and how he viewed developments in the larger world. His ongoing interaction with various writers, theologians, and scholars provides a model of civil, meaningful conversation. Our generation, given as we are to sound-bites and verbal violence, would do well to learn from Lewis' example.

What strikes me most, though, is how widely and deeply involved Lewis was with others. His correspondents range from the famous to the unknown. He exchanges letters with women, men, teenagers and children. Lewis consistently attempts to take each person's concerns seriously. Given his demanding teaching, writing and family schedules, his commitment to others is astounding.

Lewis often received requests for prayer, and to the best of my knowledge he honored all such requests. He appears to have prayed for many people he never met face to face, not only once but often for months and years. This side of heaven, we can only try to imagine the impact of his prayers.

Frankly, Lewis' example humbles and challenges me. Perhaps it does the same for you.  The best result would be for each of us to take on the task of caring and praying more for others. Such a legacy would have pleased Lewis.