The Power of a Note

How often do we think "thank you" in our heads but neglect to come out and say it, much less take the time to actually sit down and write a note?

Recently, I penned a short thank you note to someone who did something nice for my daughter and I. Honestly, I can't even remember my exact words, but they came from the heart. I received this communication the other day, weeks after sending the short thank you note. While in a business meeting, she received my note. Her reaction to my few short lines was unexpected and heartwarming.

'Hi! Oh, my goodness, that was so sweet of you! Tears came to my eyes when I read it. I have saved it in my "treasure box" with other communications from friends and family that I have received over the years.'

I'd forgotten about the note soon after sending it, and had to think a moment to mentally identify what this lady was referring to. Since she mentioned putting it in a treasure box, I knew it wasn't an email. When I recalled writing the note and the reason behind it, it warmed my heart that such a small thing to me should have such an impact on her life. To think that she placed such great value on a few words of thanks from a mere acquaintance really touched me. For anything I do, say or write to be treasured and kept close to someone else's heart is a wonderful gift.

I was reminded how important it is to guard our words, as well as how valuable and impactful a simple "thank you" can be when it comes from the heart. And a note in particular, something a person can hold in their hand, read and re-read at will, is extra special. In this day of texting, emailing and instant messaging to take the time to actually hand write a note says you put a little extra time and thought into that particular "thank you".

Has someone done something nice for you lately? If so, have you thanked them? From the heart? In writing? Take a moment and ask yourself to whom you need to say "thank you" today...and write them a note. It could change their day, perhaps even their life, in a positive way. It could start a wonderful, thankful chain reaction. It could end up in a box of treasures, resting there for years to come, pulled out lovingly from time to time, held in thankful hands, re-read, causing a smile, and blessing a heart.

And that, my friends, is a precious thing.

 

'Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.' ~ J. M. Barrie