Ah, the lost art of the handwritten note. What power it holds!! Capable of inducing smiles on faces and encouragement in hearts, the handwritten note is a worthy ministry indeed. How is it then that the task can seem so very daunting? How is it that one can sit, pen in hand, for whole minutes with a blank mind staring at a blank page, having nary a clue what to actually write? Having recently been in that very position, here are a few suggestions.
- You can actually Google “things to write in an encouragement card”. Seriously. It might seem impersonal but please don’t discount this idea. If you sincerely mean the words then they will be taken sincerely, even if they’re not original. One quote I found was this: “Letting you know that you are loved and thought of today. Have a great week!” Who wouldn’t love to read that message out of the blue?
- Jot a scripture of encouragement on a note card. Deuteronomy 31:8 “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand.” Share your own favorite verse that brings you peace or joy when you’re running low.
- Just be honest. If you truly don’t know what to say, that’s ok. You can actually just say, “I know you’re having a hard time. I don’t have the right words but I want you to know that you are loved.” Sometimes it’s enough just to have ones pain acknowledged. Validating their struggle without offering suggestions to fix it is absolutely okay.
Now, dig out that box of blank note cards and think of some folks who you know that could use some encouraging. Take a few minutes to hand write some words, address an envelope, stick on a stamp, and mail a little love to someone.
Read more of Abbie Mabary’s contributions to allmomdoes here.
