I have been cleaning out some files and getting rid of things like crazy lately. I came across a file that I had stuffed notes and letters in while serving in women’s ministry for several years. I just couldn’t part with them. So many were so kind and so thoughtful, I just couldn’t toss them. I sat down today and read through them. I remember reading many of these when I received them and they touched me. But, today, my heart was extremely tender and I wept as I went through them and even laughed with some of the funny comments. I will cherish each one of these notes forever. Since I couldn’t throw them away, I made a notebook and punched holes in the letters and then put all the note cards in page protectors. While reading through these, my heart was happy to hear about how the Lord had made some amazing changes in peoples lives and how they were striving to live a life for Christ. I believe God was glorified in so many ways during this ministry.
As I put my notebook up on the shelf, I couldn’t help but think how important it is that we lift one another up with kind words and notes of encouragement.
In our day of social media and busy, busy, busy, I would like to challenge us to take the time to lift someone up.
We all have different personalities and love languages. Some people may even call them “quirks.” We all respond in different ways to things according to our personalities. I have a feeling though, that most people love having a note of thanks or just simply, “I’m thinking of you, today.”
One of my love languages is affirmation. I LOVE affirming words. I’m not sure where it all came from, but, if I go without hearing any type of affirmation in what I’m doing or even how I look, I will begin to feel like a total failure. I know….what can I say? I always remind myself that what I do is for Christ and I shouldn’t need affirmation as long as I’m living my life as Christ would have me to. But, let me tell you, if I get a note, a call or even told in person that I’m doing a good job, I’m ready to set the world on fire. I’m ready to do more. There you go, now you know one of my weaknesses. I might need to hear that my weakness is okay from someone. (wink, wink)
Okay, back to my challenge…
NOTECARDS:
Purchase or make some note cards and put them close by so you can grab at a moments notice. Keep stamps handy. I have a basket full of note cards. I’m addicted to cute note cards. Whenever I see a cute set of notecards at the store, I grab them. You can find all prices. Find some that look like you. So when people open up that card, they see you as they read your words. I’ve had to make a habit of also picking up more masculine cards. When I’ve wanted to send a thank you to my son, son-in-law and grandsons, I’ve had to wade through all the hearts, flowers and glitter. So you might want to have something that would appeal to a guy. *Emails and texts are great, too. But, you just can’t beat a handwritten card sometimes.
HEARTFELT WORDS:
Your words can change someones day. You never ever know what someone is going through. Your note doesn’t have to be long and drawn out. Get straight to the point and tell them why you thought of them and what it is that you admire about them that day. Or maybe their face popped up in your mind and you just wanted to let them know that you are thinking of them. If they have made a difference in your life, tell them exactly what it was that helped you. The important thing is to be real and honest with your words.
MAKE IT A HABIT:
Make a habit of being thankful. When you have a thankful heart, you want to share it. As soon as someone is on your heart, sit down and write out a quick note. If you are somewhere and you can’t do that, then, put it on your to do list. Trust me, you will forget if you don’t and it will be easy to say, “Oh well, I’ll do something later.” It’s possible you might regret not ever letting someone know how you feel about them.
GO TO THE MAILBOX OR HIT SEND:
Only procrastinators will understand this tip.
There you go! How easy is that? A simple note will make someone’s day, I can almost promise.
Oh, one last tip….
SAVE YOUR NOTES THAT YOU RECEIVE:
You will be glad that you saved all those kind notes and letters someday. File them neatly in a system that works for you. When you are having one of those days where you think, “What have I done with my life and did I even make a difference anywhere?”…..you will be glad you held on to the kind and encouraging notes from friends and family…..and even strangers. *if you happen to get any hateful notes….just throw them away. Don’t let someones hatefulness ruin your day….that is what it was intended for….to make you feel defeated and to ruin your day. Those that really love you and care about you, would never send you a hateful note or letter. So, since they don’t care anything about you, why let it bother you?
Okay…I just had a thought! What if you don’t ever receive any kind notes or letters? #1 – You may need a new set of friends #2 – check up to see if you are encouraging others with your words of kindness and deeds. #3 – It’s never too late to start! You can do it!
