A couple of weeks ago I received the most wonderful surprise in the mail. Not once but twice! Isn’t it wonderful when we get something in the mail that isn’t junk mail or bills?! These days that’s a rare occasion.
I’m continuing my series on connecting.
Connecting, and the importance of making a connection with others. We rush around in our hustle bustle lives and rarely make those genuine connections.
Two weeks ago we discussed what true connection is:
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Sharing with loved ones,
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Listening with our hearts,
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Responding genuinely and
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Understanding others.
Last week we talked about the importance of being authentic and interested in others. Really checking our hearts – and listening. One of the dead giveaways is when we are talking to someone and their eyes are wandering. Often, I will just stop talking and they won’t even notice. Being authentic can’t be faked.
Well, back to the mailbox… within a week I received two very unexpected notes. And these notes absolutely lifted my spirits and made my day!
The first note was from a young mom at church thanking me for something I did four months ago. Four months ago!!! How cool is that?! My “kind gesture” wasn’t even a biggie!!! This sweet mom is about 4’11” (maybe), and on the particular day she wrote about, my young friend held her baby until he fell asleep. Now, I’m not small – and holding a sleeping baby hurts my back after about 10 minutes – so the fact that the baby was probably 1/3 of this sweet mom’s body weight – holding him asleep had to be excruciating after just a short time! Dead weight = pain!
So, I got her a chair. That was it. Yeah, I pulled a rocking chair from one room to another and made her a little ottoman with another chair – but let’s be honest. Between you and me…. That didn’t exactly warrant a thank you note 4 months later!
But what a delight to receive an unexpected thank you!
Let me ask you…
Is there someone that you wanted to thank, but just didn’t get around to it? Or a character trait in someone that caught your attention that impressed you, or blessed you?
Years ago I drove by a church and the sign out front beckoned:
The Smallest Deed is greater than the Largest Intention
Now, let me challenge you…
How about taking 10 minutes and writing them a note? You could text, email, or do what this young mom did – surprise the person with a physical note.
Oh! That second note I received in the mail… it was a note thanking my husband and I for “the nice things we had done.” I have no idea what this lady is talking about!! She’s the nice one!!
Seriously, how wonderful is it that simple gestures are recognized? And in such a surprising way.
The fact that my friends took time to thank me for simple acts of kindness (that anyone would do) touched my heart deeply.
When we talk about connecting, it’s just not that difficult. In this busy season be sure to take the time and really make that connection that makes someone’s life a little fuller (yours or theirs)!
I’m going to start with writing that sweet young mom to thank her for writing me a letter four months later!
It’s never to late to make a meaningful connection!
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If you’re a blogger and you’d like to linkup your articles this week please click on the blue button below. Be sure to visit at least two other bloggers and say hello! Let’s use this party to build friendships and encourage one another! Have an amazing week friends!
Michele Morin says
I had the surprise of receiving a note in the mail from someone who reads my blog. In her perfect handwriting, she described the ways in which my writing has impacted her life and thanked me for it. I was dumbstruck! I wrote her a note in return, thanking her for her encouragement — she had no idea how timely her words were!
A big and enthusiastic YES to handwritten notes delivered to our mailboxes. I hope we never “outgrow” them in our culture.
Char says
Oh! Thanks for sharing that a touching moment with us! It’s very special that someone would write you a note rather than email – especially when she’s already on your blog and emailing is so simple.
Joanne Viola says
Personal and hand written notes speak loudly and deeply. There is something about seeing handwriting and also knowing someone took the time. Char, thank you for reminding us to send a note. I think especially in this season, so many are lonely and it could make a world of difference!
Char says
Hi Joanne, There are lots of lonely people during the holidays. It’s a great time to reach out. Thank YOU for the reminder!
Debbie Putman says
It’s not just thank you notes. When my daughter passed away, I received a few sympathy cards weeks afterward, and the people who sent them included an apology for being “late.” However, those cards meant a lot to me. It didn’t matter that they weren’t immediately after she died. Their kind thoughts and prayers comforted me. Some people sent a card letting me know they were thinking of me near the anniversary of Kim’s passing for several years. Those, too, warmed my heart.
Char says
How precious that people reached out and comforted you – especially when it wasn’t expected. Thanks for sharing Debbie. I’m so sorry about your daughter – it’s a loss I cannot imagine.
Melissa says
My mother-in-law is amazing at sending handwritten cards for various reasons. She takes the time to hand pick cards that have beautiful and classy images and then writes from the heart something that she appreciates in me or is proud of. I’ve kept everyone of them and have reread them when extra words of encouragement are needed. They are such a treasure!
Char says
Wow! What a treasure from your Mother-in-Law Melissa. I’d keep them too!!
Rachel Lee says
I LOVE getting stuff in the mail! It’s like a surprise gift waiting to be opened. But I admit, although I know how much I enjoy it, I fail to practice it very often. Thanks for the inspiration!
Patrick Weseman says
That is so true. I got a Christmas card in the mail the other day and it so made the difference in my day. The simplest things are the best.
Thanks for hosting and have a wonderful week.
Char says
That’s awesome that a Christmas card made such an impact! Enjoy the season Patrick!
sue says
Wow – moving a chair! Love that and love a pretty piece of stationery. I like to keep notecards in my quiet time basket to write someone when God brings them to mind. Now I just text and I need to get those stamps and cards out again – after my Christmas cards… lovely, Char, as always.
Char says
That’s a great idea Sue, to leave the notes where I sit down and still/quiet time. Love it!! Thanks for sharing.
Crystal says
I always prefer to write and receive a hand-written letter. You would love the book, For the Love of Letters. It is among my collection of favorites because I believe letter writing is such a lost art, and it is therapy for the soul!
Char says
I’ll check out the book Crystal. There is something very therapeutic about putting a pen to paper. I’ve tried journalling on my computer – but it isn’t the same.
Becky Hastings says
I love the challenge here! A note at just the right (God) time can make all the difference! I’m going to try to send one note a month next year! Thanks for the encouragement
Ruth says
This is my first time here. Thank you for the linkup!
I love getting notes in the mail, also; and you’re right, it doesn’t happen so much anymore. When I get a card, I keep it for a long time. I remember better what the note said than in a text or e-mail that I may never see again. Although I have been known to keep certain conversations in my text messaging center so I can look at them again.
Thanks for this reminder to reach out and make a loving connection with those who might need a word of encouragement. May the Lord help us to know who those special someones are.
Lisa notes says
How sweet of that mom to write you a note! Sometimes those little gifts can feel like the biggest presents. Sometimes a chair to sit in is the best thing we need in the moment. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this, Char. May we all be better about letting people know of our gratitude.
Marilyn Lesniak says
It is always a pleasure to link up with you. Thank you for all you do to bring bloggers together. I invite you to join me at #OverTheMoon #WWBlogHop #ThursdayFavoriteThings. Have a great week!
Maree Dee says
Thank you for the reminder how important the written word is, and it doesn’t have to be perfect or timely. I cherish notes from others and save them in a box in my closet. Sometimes I get so hung up on finding the perfect note card I write nothing. I had to leave unexpectantly and travel the other day which meant I would not have time to buy a special note card to accompany a present. I debated whether to send it since the only card I had was non-Christmas. I did it anyway. After reading this I realize it didn’t matter what the card looked like it was my words of gratitude that mattered the most.
Char says
I think in a way that it’s a little nicer that people take an unconventional approach to thanking others. A note 4 months later, a Christmas greeting on a generic notecard – they all say “I really wanted to reach out to you, ” vs. “I’m filling an obligation.” That’s how I see it!
Grammy Dee | Grammy's Grid says
it makes you feel special to receive such in the mail, knowing the person sat down and took the time to write to you! Thank you Char for hosting! I shared your party on Fb, G+, Pin, and Tw.
Char says
Thanks Grammy Dee! I agree that it sends a strong message that they would take the time to write me – and get it to the mailbox (which is sometimes a challenge too!)
Nikki Gwin says
I have a friend who always seems to know when I need a lift and I will often find a card from her in my mailbox. I don’t have that talent, but I can write a note to tell someone I appreciate them.
🙂 gwingal
Char says
How cool is that?! That your friend mails you a card when just when you need it. That’s a special friend.
Karen Woodall says
My best friend from high school lost her oldest son (same age as my oldest) suddenly 2 days before Thanksgiving. We are far apart and don’t see each other any more, but I still have great affection and fondness for her, so when I heard the news, I was heartbroken for her. So many people posted on her fb page or wrote a digital note on the memorial site, and i thought that wasn’t enough for such a situation. So i sat down and wrote her a heartfelt letter that was very difficult to compose, and hope that even if the words don’t lessen the pain, it will be a tangible reminder of how much she is loved. I know this isn’t exactly what you were saying here, but I think that even when it’s hard to know what to say, we still need to take the time to sit down and take the time to put pen to paper and let people know that we care. thanks!
Char says
Karen, Thanks for sharing. Your story is very relevant. To write a heartfelt note at any time, for any occasion is exactly what I’m encouraging. I can’t imagine how difficult that was for you. I’m sure your words will soothe your friend’s soul – especially as she reads them and rereads them. Praying for that family….
Cheryl says
A written note can be the deciding factor between who gets the job. I recently, had a guest speaker come to my college nursing course to discuss quality improvement within a major employer in the Midwest. She interviewed two excellent candidates for one position; the characteristic which enabled her to make a decision, the candidate that sent the written thank you note!
On another note, I like to take the time to send special people in my life, a birthday card. Even though I only write a few lines in the card, I like for the recipient to know I am thinking about them on their special day.
Char says
You are so good at that Cheryl! Your notes and cards are a wonderful blessing and they do reflect your heart!