Take 5 – Thank You Note

Last week, sorting through the mail, I stopped in the driveway and stared at one envelope. I didn’t recognize the return address on this small envelope and it kind of puzzled me as to what it was – not a bill or statement (we all know what those look like), not an invitation to a wedding (those are larger and fancy) and not an invitation to a bridal or baby shower (those come via Evite).  Surprise!  It was a thank-you note. Such a welcome piece of mail which is seldom received.

Oh, for the most part, people in my life are good at saying “thank you” in person, via text, or even an E-mail but this was a hand-written, cute little card from a young woman in my congregation thanking me for welcoming her to our church.

So it got me thinking about my “thank you” habits – do people in my life know I’m thankful for what they do for me?

As a whole, we’re pretty good at thanking others for things we receive like gifts or a meal shared at a busy time.

But what about the time and effort others spend that blesses our life or just makes us happy? Maybe attending an event we chaired, attending our child’s music recital, or cheering at a game?  What about someone that goes out of their way to help you when needed? Or the person who invites you into her social circle or lends a listening ear?  What about someone who did or said something that motivated you to be a better person?

A few years ago as a busy mother involved in the scouting program, I remembered my wonderful Campfire Girl leaders, Evelyn Pilcher and Shirley Lindell.  They added wonderful experiences to my young life and I wanted them to know 30 years later that I still thought of them.  So I sent thank you notes to these two wonderful ladies.

So my Take 5 for today is to write a thank you note. This note will go to my pastor/bishop who is moving on. He’s a great man who has blessed my life in many ways.  He deserves 5 minutes of my time to know he’s loved and appreciated.