The habit of keeping thank you cards has paid rich dividends for me over the years. Bundling them by 20’s with a pretty colored ribbon for future, I store them in a big wooden chest that sits at the foot of my bed. On a rainy day it is fun to open a ribbon tied 10 years ago and revisit with the hearts of people who were so thoughtful as to write a note.
The best thank you notes are written from the heart and it’s not difficult to identify them. Some of these people are still in my life but some are not. Untying a bundle is a wonderful opportunity to refresh my memory, dose my heart with strong messages to be grateful, and maybe even take a step to renew or strengthen the relationship. Taking my time in this endeavor is especially nice as I say a prayer for the person, or their family, or their circumstances as I know them.
I confess – some of the cards may be from people I do not even remember. Because I don’t hang on to the envelopes and if they signed only their first name, if the content of the thank you card is not a clue to their identity, I can still say a prayer of thankfulness and perhaps a prayer for them. I may not remember them, but the Lord does and He hears all prayers.
If their card meant enough to me to keep, perhaps I need to send them a card thanking them for a friendship that has endured over the years. It’s the relationships I value – the card is the vehicle of remembrance. NameThatNoteCard.com is a great place to start with a meaningful thank you card that will be treasured.