The Write Stuff (Revised)

I've probably written more than 11,000 thank you notes in my life. People say that in the age of cell phones and email, handwritten notes are becoming a thing of the past. I hope not. It's odd enough to some people when they get a personal, handwritten note from me, a man. Men don't write thank you notes, they say. Well, this one does. Always have. It wasn't so much the way I was raised, just something I always enjoyed doing. And not just thank you notes, but notes of encouragement or praise as well. On the average, I craft at least one handwritten note per day. I find it helps me relax, take the focus off myself and think about others. I would highly recommend it, especially if you are male. Write a thank you note to someone and shock them. In the Bible we are admonished to "encourage one another." A written note is one of the easiest and more personal ways to do just that.

Lately I have added a new twist to my note writing. I don’t just write a quick note of encouragement or birthday wishes. After the original purpose of the note is accomplished, I continue to write. About our family, about our lives: What my son is doing in school, what is changing at work, what trips we have planned. This way the note becomes more like a full length letter. And it becomes more personal. It is my way of attempting to invest more time in the process and in the person receiving the note.

Proverbs 16:24 says “Kind words are like honey -- sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”  This verse inspires me and hopefully my encouragement notes accomplish that task.