Mailing Encouragement!

Did you know that April is National Card and Letter Writing Month?

I just learned the other day of this exciting news! 

Of course being the card making, card sending lover which I am, I just HAD to pass this news on so that you could take part in this once a year JOY of sending love, blessings and encouragement to others!

Well, actually, sending love blessings and encouragement to others should NOT be limited to just once a year, but this is the month to do what you've been putting off, which is sending a handwritten note or card to someone!

I did some research and discovered the U.S. Postal Service originally started this celebration as a week-long event, but in 2001 decided to expand the celebration to the entire month of April! Their hope is to improve writing skills and literacy, as well as to preserve the tradition of writing, sending and receiving letters, postcards and greeting cards. 

In the techy world in which we live, a handwritten note or even sending a greeting card has all but become a thing of the past.

A RARITY!

Most of us have come to rely solely upon the electronic forms of communication. After all, it only takes a few moments to send a quick “thank you” email, or a last-minute "Happy Birthday” text.

However, a handwritten note or greeting card is so much more personal and meaningful. 

Granted, it takes time to send something through the mail. A trip to the store to buy a card, a stop at your local post office to purchase a stamp, then a trip to your mailbox or possibly back to the post office to drop your card or letter in the outgoing mail slot!

But, take a few moments to think about this,

"Which means the most to you, the one of MANY emails currently stashed in your inbox or the one or two handwritten notes or greeting cards displayed on your desk?"

Currently I have four cards setting on my desk and four baskets which are filled to overflowing with hundreds of cards I have received from others over the years!

To me

they are gifts

beyond words!

Cards with personal messages my Mom sent me before she went to Heaven.

Handwritten letters from my son when he was in college!

Cards from so many who have been walking with me from the very beginning of my journey with illness, as well as, cards from those who are currently supporting me. 

Anniversary cards with special handwritten messages from the love of my life!

Note cards and handwritten letters from my special pen pal, who just happens to be my precious nine-year old granddaughter!

Even cards from people whom I have never met face to face!

These are

treasures

without a price!

Can you tell that I am passionate about this topic?

You see, making and sending cards is not just a hobby for me, it's truly like therapy! Let me explain,

When I'm feeling sad, discouraged and "out of sorts" because of yet another day of dealing with my chronic illness, I sit down in front of my computer, turn on my music and begin creating a card for someone and the joy it brings is unexplainable!

Does it make me feel better physically? No, not necessarily, but it sure does help me spiritually, emotionally and mentally.

I got so wrapped up in what I'm doing, I totally forget about myself! 

May I please

put a challenge

before you?

I know that from today there are only twelve days left in this month, but will you PLEASE consider sending a handwritten note or greeting card to someone sometime between today and the end of the month? Or for that fact even into the very beginning of May since I posted this so late!

Listen my friends, the card does NOT need to be the fanciest, most expensive $12.00 Hallmark card you find at the store. Please remember, it's not how the card looks, it's what YOU personally write inside the card. Go to the Dollar Tree Store or the Dollar General Store. They sell cards two for $1.00! Or take out a sheet of notebook paper and write a note to someone.

You may say,

"Barb, I don't know what to say? And I wouldn't know who to send it to?"

Well my answer is,

"Think of someone you know who is in need of some encouragement. Then pray and ask the Lord what He would have you to write."

You could write something as simple as,

"I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and praying you have a great day." 

Add your favorite Bible verse, and "TADA", you did it!

I can guarantee you will NOT be disappointed for sending someone encouragement through the mail! And the one on the receiving end will NOT be disappointed that you sent encouragement through the mail!

Here's some examples from the cards which are currently setting on my desk to show you just how simple it really is!

I received this last week from a friend I've known for years. Notice that she took a blank note card and turned it into a treasure! She then wrote a personal message on the inside! It made my day!  

This card is from a dear friend from church. It made me laugh out loud! Turned a sad day into a happy day!

And a handwritten letter from my sweet granddaughter, my pen pal! 

I completely understand that for some it is entirely impossible to send greetings through the mail.

But I have a solution for you!

Why not write a note of encouragement to your young children who are still living under your roof? Pointing out the positives in their lives.

Write a "thank you" card to your mail carrier or garbage collector.

Best of all, a handwritten note of love and great appreciation to your spouse!

When you take the time to write a letter or send a greeting card, instead of grabbing your phone to jot a quick text, you are demonstrating to the recipient that he or she is important to you.

As you are writing your notes and cards of encouragement, listen to this "toe tapping" Christian contemporary song about letting Jesus use you just where you are to love God and others!

 

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May God Bless You,

Barb