I love people. And I appreciate so many things about people. Over the years, my heart has been full week after week from seeing dear people at church. (I am in a unique position in working for the church to see all the great things people do!) And I always thought I should write them a note to let them know they were appreciated, thought about and loved.
But I very rarely actually did it.
Then a few months ago, I finally decided I was going to do it! So I gave myself a rule that I would write 5 notes to people each week. I have now written 30 notes so far, and the results have been amazing!!
I have heard back from the VAST majority of people saying it was appreciated. People have even made special trips and phone calls to the church office to let me know this.
A number of people have let me know that they were having a really rough week or day, but when they got my note it helped them and they felt better.
Even though I wasn't expecting anything in return, I have been blessed by hearing that my notes meant a lot to people. And I've gotten notes, emails, phone calls and visits from people because of it also.
The weird thing was that the first week, after I put notes in people's boxes, I felt weird. And even embarrassed. "What are these people going to think about this?". I was very self conscious about it. But on the very first day that people started getting notes, I knew it was worth it because i immediately started hearing from these people. And I'm not self conscious about it anymore. Really it all makes me want to write even more!
I say this not to brag about myself but to throw out there:
I know we are all busy, but it only takes a few minutes to write a note, but I can attest to the fact that it does mean a lot to people when they receive one. What if we all let each other know how much we appreciate and love each other like we should?
-Stephanie
2 comments:
Your note meant a lot to me. It is so special to get a note (especially a handwritten one!). And I have had the SAME exact experience as you...think of all these things while I'm at church that I should write to people to encourage, thank, etc...and then get home and forget/don't take the time. You are SO right, though. It is worth the time. I would even go so far as to say it is worth it even if you can only manage an email. Words can make a huge difference to people and expressing them can make a huge difference to you! Thanks for the reminder, Steph.
You've hit upon just another way of showing God's love & mercy, Steph, and it's a double blessing! Everything we do to bring a little sunshine, joy, hope, appreciation and maybe even a moment of relief from hurting can be considered a "heart hug". I love your heart, Steph, and am soo thankful you are a big part of my life.
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