Dearest Emojis, 

This is a love letter and a thank you note rolled up in one. An ode to the art that allows me to express, create, connect, and laugh. To infuse some personality into any and every message. Thank you for your poignant expressions and wide variety of emotions, objects, and true surprises. A whole library at my fingertips! I am blessed. 

The right icon at the end of a text, an unexpected face or object in an email, or simply an icon standing alone in a text thread—brilliant. You are the only common denominator between a chef, a disco ball, the second phase of the moon, an ambulance, hearts of every color, and the Zimbabwe flag. I applaud you for that. 

You communicate things some words cannot. You allow me to express love, affection, sincerity, excitement, passion, goofiness, concern, confusion, shock, irritation, outrage, joy, and so much more, all with the click of a button. You deserve such love. I’m sorry I’ve ever taken your daily presence and availability for granted. 

And, oh! How could we forget the zest and thrill a string of your icons brings at the end of a brain dump or silly text? You’ve allowed me closer glimpses into my friends’ souls simply by examining their emoji selections. I’m enamored by friends who use you with such grace, delight, and surprise. Thank you for making me belly laugh at the timing and use of some of your arrivals. The right emoji at the right time from the right person just hits different. 

Thank you for letting us tell stories and bring smiles and understanding to one another. You are powerful. You are fun. You are silly. I love you and thank you for letting me express my personality via your dainty designs. You da best. Here’s to you, lil’ emoticons!

Above all, thank you, Jesus, for creating such a thing of beauty and delight. It points me back to your divine, perfect creation. I love you and delight in you. 

xo AR