Have you ever missed an opportunity to thank someone for a gift? I must confess I have! I’ll take you back many years. I was a nineteen year old bride, very busy attending school full time, working part time. We had a large wedding. The sanctuary was full of people witnessing two very young adults giving their vows to each other. We were blessed with many wedding gifts. At my break at work as a sales clerk at Meier & Frank’s, now Macy’s, I’d write thank you notes.
In my home, even today, I still use many of those gifts. Farberware pots and pans. A pretty olive green candy dish. A festive brown platter embossed with orange leaves I use each year in my fall decor. There’s a sectional dish that I continue to use when we have tacos. When using, I recall the generous giver.
I also remember a gift I didn’t send a thank you note to. Fifty-some years later, I still regret the neglected thank you note for a fluffy set of towels. I don’t know why I didn’t. I think it kept getting later and later and I felt like it was too late to send the note.
What’s the lesson for me? Take the time to write thank you notes, sympathy cards, birthday cards, any-kind-of-cards right away. If you don’t, you might be like me and remember and regret each time it comes to your mind.
It’s too late to send a thank you to those women who worked in the dress department with me. Most likely they are all gone, but I can improve my timing.
“Dear Betty, Sonja, Sally, and Edith, Thank you so much for the lovely set of towels. The color matches perfectly in our bathroom. Thanks again for your thoughtfulness. Sincerely, Shirley”
For curiosity, I put the stop watch on to time how long it took me to write. Guess how long? Yes, I would have had to get the box of cards and address the envelope, but it took 1 minute and seventeen seconds to write.
How many times have I thought and regretted my lack of action those fifty-some years ago. The towels are long gone, but not the thoughtfulness, of the giver–their contribution to a young couple just starting out.
Since I cannot send a thank-you to them, I can send an encouraging note to someone else. How about you? Is there a note you regret you didn’t send? Is there someone who could use some encouragement or thanks? The time might be now.
We’ve been enjoying a quiet week at a county park not too far from our home. It has been peaceful and an adventure for our four-legged family member, Rudy.
Feast your eyes on God’s creation!
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Thank you Shirley ….. Reading your blog today may help me to write thank you notes …. does it “count” to send a text or email thank you message? xox, L
Thank you Jim ….. Each time I see an email announcing an upcoming Zoom Hour, I say, “Thank you Jim”. xox, L
Of course it counts!Love you!
Yes I have, but made up for it by making a telephone caĺĺ which was greatly appreciated .
That is always good! Blessings friend!
Dear Shirley,
I have made a tradition of marking on my calendar the dates of family and special friends birthdays and Anniversaries. These Anniversary notes also include the passing of loved ones.
Each morning I check my calendar for reminders for the day. Each week I send a text or email message to people who I want to encourage witth a blessing on their special day.
During my morning prayer/devotional time with the Lord, I ask Him to bring someone to mind that needs a call that day to let them know I am thinking about them.
I remember fondly when you came to stay with me in my home when you were speaking for out Women’s Connections in the area. That was such a God appointed time for us to get acquainted. With your encouragment I took your advice. It had been 8 years since my first husband Bob Carlson passed away. You (through God’s leading) I made a connection on EHarmoney with Ben Bergen. That relationship was no dought God’s gift to me and him. We had a wonderful 9 years of ministry and love together. Then it was time for Ben to go home to be with the Lord on March 3, 2022 after we had celebrated his birthday in Whistler, BC.
So I am reminded from your blog to send you my thank you for encouraging me.
Love and God’s blessings
Carma Carlson-Bergen
What a time that was! You helped me make my decision with Jim. I’m so glad you had those years with Ben! I wish there would have been more, but God is good and knows…..Blessings, dear friend!