Today’s catch phrase is:
Write. The old fashioned way.
You know that little leap your heart does when you realize that the mail has brought you an ‘old fashioned’, hand written note or letter? I’m talking about snail mail {hopefully we all remember what that is.} Even if it’s just across the street or into someone’s box at church. Give that little heart-leap to someone. To lots of someones.
In her book “High Call, High Privilege” Gail MacDonald shared that she wrote scores of hand written notes during their first ministry. She details some of the amazing opportunities and strengthened relationships that came of that little exercise of love for their flock.
Hand written notes mean the world to people. I will freely admit that I have not written notes as much as I could have in the past, but when I did I sure was blessed! I’ve heard things like, “That’s the sweetest thing anyone’s ever said to me” or “I didn’t think anyone remembered that it’s been a year since my {relative} died” or “Thank you for caring about ——.” Those things stick with people for a long time, and a written note is a tangible way to show them you care.
Here are some of my top occasions to deliver a hand written note to one of my ladies or to a friend in the mail:
*On the anniversary of a death (this means you have to remember the anniversary…or perhaps write it down somewhere). In ministry, it is rather easy for me to remember deaths since we are involved with the funerals. Last summer we did FOUR- one each month of summer. One of them happened on our wedding anniversary so I always remember it.
*Moms who have miscarried or wives without children (especially around Mother’s Day)
*Birthday and wedding anniversaries
*Thank you notes for gifts or thoughtful deeds
*Appreciation notes to ladies/families for service in the church
*’Just because’ or encouragement
*Folks who might be alone during holidays
There are many other situations that would be unique to your specific ministry and life. Be creative! Find a way to use that stash of beautiful cards and stationery. {How did I know you have a stash like that? Um….I do, too.} 😉
Old fashioned? Maybe. Seems like hand written notes are rare these days. Let’s bring it back into style and watch how God uses it in our ministries.
So, go unearth your notecards and
Write. The old fashioned way.
Let’s Chat: Do you still enjoy sending snail mail and writing handwritten notes? What do you think makes them so special? Do you have a story to share about how God used a handwritten note to build or strengthen a relationship? I’d love to hear your heart!
This is something I have done even before my husband went into the ministry. It never ceases to amaze me how much it means to the receiver, especially today. We take a moment to pause in our whirlwind days and write from the heart. People know this because their days are a whirlwind, too. We’ve given of ourselves and our time. It matters. Thanks, Leah, for giving of yours.
Very true. As a working pastor’s wife sometimes I have to send birthday ecards instead of mailing them. People seem to appreciate them. I guess those are better than nothing at all. I also like to send cards for spiritual birthdays of children and adults. At one time I was buy little “what nots” and leaving them in the church with the name of the child saying something like “I saw you serving the Lord” in a certain area and keep up the good work. I would make it from a secret admirer and the kids loved it.
Leah …. I just found you just now … as a woman in ministry, I’m delighted to have met a kindred spirit! I look forward to following your 31 Days … and I invite you to come and visit me at Creekside. I would be honored to bless you as well!
I love it! People have even forgotten that writing a Thank You card is not just polite, but it is acknowledging the work someone did to help you. When I taught 6th grade, we got the chapter about letter writing. Some of the children told me they never had to write a letter. They didn’t know the first thing even about the format. In 6th grade! We have forgotten these little things in life which can make a huge difference.
Very good reminder!!!! oh how technology has blessed and robbed us of such simple things! Now don’t get me wrong, we allow it to do that to us. Thank you again for this simple, yet powerful ministry tool that we can use 😉