What costs only 55 cents, and can bring a big smile or word of encouragement directly to someone’s mailbox? A little note or card from YOU can brighten the day of just about anyone.
For this bargain rate you and I can establish a wonderful new holiday, “Appreciation Day.” It could be any day of the year, but why not choose a date next month. This gives you a couple of weeks to put the idea into action.
The strategy was born over 20 years ago in my third grade class. I wanted to challenge the boys and girls to recognize things they were thankful for and people they could compliment. After listing some suggestions on the board — janitor, principal, cafeteria ladies, bus driver, music teacher, etc.— we all wrote little thoughtful notes. It was a successful plan; the children received a lot of positive comments from their recipients. After that, it was an on-going project every year that I was teaching.
I described this inspiration in my book of fanciful children’s stories, Stories From Beyond the Double Rainbow, published by Thinking CAPS in 1982.
Here is a challenge to you. List some of the people in your life who were a help or an encouragement at sometime in your past. Maybe you can find the address of your Scout leader, your third grade teacher, or others. Write a note of appreciation to former pastors, Sunday School teachers, musicians — the men and women who had a hand in making you the person you have become. Don’t forget to sign and date the letter.
It doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated. It’s not a major project that’s going to be graded by your English professor.
You’ll write a draft copy to begin with, then let it sit on your desk for a few days. Reread the piece. See if you’ve said what you wanted to say. Is it clear? Does it sound friendly? Then check for spelling and punctuation. Finally, copy it or print it out on the computer. The local office supply store may have attractive border or colored paper. Or, you can find free “clip art” on the computer, and you can design your own card and print it in color.
I was pleased to find out that mail to servicemen with an APO address goes overseas with just that 55 cent stamp. Of course, you’ll want to weigh the envelope if it contains four or more sheets of paper.
For ease of sending your letter of Appreciation email might be your preference; it does save on postage. This, too, should be composed ahead of time so you can give it your best wording.
A very nice gesture would be to mat or frame your pretty page of Appreciation and present it in person. Don’t overlook doing this nice writing for your spouse.
Stores sell lots of cards to choose from for Mothers Day, Father’s Day, and birthdays. And, most of us try to verbally thank people when they help us. But an “Appreciation Day,” whenever you choose to do it, will be a nice surprise to others who haven’t been “officially” recognized and thanked in writing.
As you’re working on this project it can brighten your day as you recall those good times from your past. When you drop it in your mailbox pray for the person who will receive it. Picture the pleasure on the face of Scoutmaster Madson or Pastor Schmitz.
Of course, you are too busy; we all are. But what else is such a bargain? What else will be as much fun as an unexpected envelope in a mailbox?
Your handwritten note or simple little card may be just the thing the Lord can use to bless special people in your life. And, imagine what a good example you’ll be setting for your children. Romans 13:7 reminds us to give honor to whom honor is due. A thankful heart seeks ways to show appreciation.
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By Elaine Hardt ©2003
