The Beauty of a Little Note

“An important practice for cultivating humility: Identify evidence of grace in others. This means actively looking for ways that God is at work in the lives of other people.” - C.J. Mahaney, Humility

The practice of note writing, sending personal notes in the mail, is unfortunately a dying practice in our busy day and age, but is especially meaningful as a result. A few years back, when I was prayerfully seeking opportunities to speak life and encouragement into our church body through my words and actions, the Lord laid the idea on my heart of cultivating a practice of sending one or two notes of encouragements out each week. I knew it had to be a manageable and maintainable practice amidst the busy routines of motherhood and homeschooling, and I discovered that this practice only takes a few moments of my time and yet can make a world of difference.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thess. 5:11)

I desire to be one that offers encouraging words to my brothers and sisters in Christ, and what better way than jotting down a few things I appreciate about them and sending it their way.

I keep a nice stash of blank note cards on hand for this purpose. I love the adorable designs available through Best Paper Greetings on Amazon. Each week, I pull out my notecards, open our church directory, and I begin praying…who can I encourage this week? Who needs a little note to let them know they are appreciated and not forgotten? The Lord faithfully prompts me each time. I also enjoy using the God’s Promises for Your Every Need book that lists Scripture verses related to different struggles and challenges. If I am aware of a particular trial that someone is going through, I love finding a relevant Scripture verse to include.

The response I receive is a constant reminder of how powerful a note of encouragement can be. I have frequently received responses from recipients that my note arrived at just the right moment, on just the right day, when a weary heart needed a little refreshment. One time, it brought tears to her eyes, when she thought no one cared about her. Another time, both husband and wife said thank you, as the wife had been deeply discouraged. Only God could control that…laying that person on my heart at just the right moment. Sometimes I have even written a note, forgotten about it, and a week later remembered, and despite the delay, it still arrived just on that dark day in their lives.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:23-25)

This simple weekly habit, writing one or two short notes, praying over them, and sending them on their way, can make sure a difference in their heart and my own. My affections for others are deepened through this simple act. I’d encourage you to adopt the habit! Let’s build the body up in love and see what God can do!

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)