Late-night Letters

Late-Night Letters

The words of the godly encourage many.

Proverbs 10:21

Sometimes a year can feel like a whole lot of days. In the course of our determination to spend 365 days doing one act of kindness each day, there were some days when I would have to scramble to do something late at night. Either I hadn’t had time for it earlier in the day, or it had simply slipped my mind until I was climbing into bed.

One easy—and free—idea that I had in mind for these moments was to write notes to the people I encountered throughout the day. Accordingly, I began writing out notes, usually sent via e-mail or Facebook message, but sometimes dropped in the mail, letting people know that I was thinking of them. Some were short and others were long, but as I began to write them, I realized they fell into several predictable categories.

If you’re searching for inspiration, here are some ideas for folks you can focus on sending a note to:

• Someone who needs encouragement.
• Someone who is doing a good job and needs to hear that it has been noticed.
• Someone who is facing a medical crisis or long illness, either their own or someone else’s.
• Someone who may be lonely.
• Someone you’ve lost touch with—maybe even someone you haven’t talked to in years—but would like the chance to reconnect with.
• Someone who needs to hear an apology from you.
• Someone you wish you knew better.
• Someone you’re proud of but haven’t told them so lately.

Scripture says that our words have the potential to encourage many. Whom can you intentionally impact with the power of your kind words?

—Kristin

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Going off the list above, think of one person in each category. Write one note today, and then resolve to write the rest of the notes as you have time.