An Encouraging Note

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

Mary’s request about our mutual friend arrived via a social media message: “Would you write her a note of encouragement? I’m hosting a retreat for several women at my cabin, and I’m asking a few people to write letters for each of them.”

My response was an immediate “Yes!” I was honored to be asked, and I admired Mary’s thoughtful gift to her guests. I spent the next several days prayerfully asking God what my friend needed to hear, what words she might find most encouraging at this moment. As I slipped my note into the mailbox and raised the little red flag, I thanked God for the opportunity to be a blessing to someone. I pondered who else might need a note of encouragement, a little extra love. Who in my circles was I overlooking? Who in my family was I missing? Even as I racewalked my way back up the snow-covered driveway, a list of faces and names came to mind. I could easily write one letter a week for weeks and still have letters to write.

In a world bombarded with texts, social media messages, and emails, there is something especially lovely about handwritten notes, whether it be flowery words on pretty stationery or a sarcasm-laden-but-genuinely-loving missive in a funny greeting card. We underestimate the value of our handwritten thoughts, no matter how terrible our chicken scratch and how tongue-tied our words when we tell our friends that we love them, that we are proud of them, that they are worthy of God’s love, and that they aren’t alone as they walk through a hard season.

Our words are powerful, and when we pause and take a breath, noticing and responding to events in the lives of those around us, we are used by God as his hands and feet, his boots-on-the-ground-girls who sow seeds of encouragement and invite others into a deeper relationship with our Savior. Partnering with God is no small thing, and the words of love and hope you send through the mail or secretly tuck into pockets make a difference in ways you likely will never know.

Julie

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Prayerfully ask God who needs an encouraging word, then write them a note, thanking God for the privilege.