A “Note”able Challenge….(and a prize too!)

Anyone out there remember handwritten notes? In this hi-tech age of emails, instant messaging and texting others on the cell phone, I’m afraid writing a handwritten note to someone has become a lost art. In our parents’ day, this was the main form of communication with those who lived far from you. Why, when I was a little girl growing up in the suburbs of Michigan, my mom didn’t even call long distance much. Even though her only sister lived in Milwaukee and they are extremely close, she limited her phone calls to Aunt Patty to just a few times per year. When Todd and I were in college and dating in the 80’s, we wrote each other several times a week in the summer saving our phone calls for once a week at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday nights when the phone rates dropped. Yep, back in “the olden days” as my kids would say, the old pen and stationary was the way to go.

Now, however, we have become too busy (or too lazy) to pen a handwritten sentiment. So this year, I decided to do something about it. I made it my New Year’s resolution to write a note to one person each week. Now, of course I didn’t tell you about this goal on January first for fear I’d not follow through as with some of my resolutions from years’ past, but I can say that this one has been much easier to keep and has blessed others’ lives in the process. And so now I have a challenge for you!

This weekend, pick up a pen and a note card or pretty piece of stationary—or a sticky note if that is all you can find!—and write an encouraging note to someone in your life. It can be a faraway friend, a distant relative, your old college roommate, or high school friend. Or think through your current life. With whom does your life naturally intersect? The mail carrier? The cheerful checkout cashier at the local Wal-Mart? The timid teen that played the piano for last week’s church service? The hairdresser who gives your locks their looks and never expects a tip? Whom could you cheer with a handwritten note of gratitude? To make this task easier, keep a tote bag with note cards, thank you notes, a pen, some stamps and your address book or church directory in your vehicle. This way, when you find pockets of time where you will be waiting, (carpool line, orthodontist’s office, soccer practice pick up, etc..) you can use it to multi-task and write a note or two. Then sit back and watch the thankful smiles roll in.

Now for the prize….leave a comment telling us to whom you feel prompted to write that note this weekend. You have until Monday morning at 8:00 a.m. EST. Then, I’ll choose one person to win a pack of note cards, one of my favorite pens and a Starbucks gift card so as you write, you can sip on something hot, sweet and creamy (or cool and tasty depending on where you live. I am in Michigan and we got three more inches of snow last night!!! Come on…it is almost April for crying out loud!!!).

Happy writing!!

Sincerely and with warmest regards, (how is that for an olden days sign-off?)

Karen