A Simple Note

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:9-15

For God has not chosen to pour out his anger upon us, but to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ; he died for us so that we can live with him forever, whether we are dead or alive at the time of his return. So encourage each other to build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 (TLB)

Tom Smith lives in Utah. Part of his job is introducing new computer software to travel agencies across the country. One software package was particularly complicated, and Emily, the training manager, was nervous about teaching it to their clients. Emily ended up doing a great job, so Tom wanted to show his appreciation. He wrote her a note of thanks for her help and good work.

Two weeks later a handwritten letter from Emily arrived on his desk. Part of that note has remained clear in Tom's mind: "I've worked here for over 15 years and no one has ever written me a personal note of appreciation like this. I was having a really bad day when your letter arrived, and it just picked me right up. You have no idea how much this means to me."

Tom put the letter down, feeling humbles and thinking, How could a handwritten note that took me just a few minutes to write make such a big impact? And then Tom wondered why he wasn't doing this more often if it could make such a difference.

Today's reading from 1 Thessalonians urges us to encourage one another. It can be difficult to know when someone is struggling or needing encouragement. This exchange of thank-you notes showed me how even a small gesture of care can show God's love.

Prayer: Dear Lord, show us the people who need our encouragement so that we can share your love through our small acts of kindness today and every day, in Jesus' name. Amen.