Two simple words can make someone’s day. As silly as it sounds, those two words are ‘Thank You.’ It can be one of the most beautiful and heart-felt ways to make someone’s day. I’ve written about it before, but I want to encourage everyone to do this just once for Family Home Evening.
A few days beforehand, kneel down with your children to look around at church, think of a school teacher, a grandparent, a friend, or even another family member.
When you gather for FHE, ask each individual who he/she felt inspired to thank.
All you need:
· 3×4 note cards, can be bought in packs of ten or twenty, envelopes are included
· Stamps
· A pen
· Someone to write to
If your child is a little older, and knows how to write, feel free to let them go. It wouldn’t be a bad idea, however, to help them do a first draft on a piece of paper to help with grammar/spelling mistakes. With younger children who don’t know how to write yet, give them a partner (Mom, Dad or older sibling).
If you’re not too experienced with writing thank-you notes, here’s a good outline to follow:
1. Start with their name. Sounds pretty basic, right? This does, however, set the tone for the rest of the note. You can start with ‘Dear’ if it’s someone the writer knows well. If it’s someone from church begin with ‘Sister’ or ‘Brother’, especially if the recipient is older than the writer. It shows respect.
2. “I wanted to write and thank you…” This is typically a good way to begin the body of the note. It immediately brings the point across. You are welcome to put in why you’re feeling grateful, or you can save it for the next paragraph.
3. Here’s where you get to the good stuff. Whether it’s for something specific, or just because of the good person he/she is, now is when you get to gush about why you’re so grateful to have such a wonderful person in your life. Don’t hold back – the more you can fit in the better. There are few things in this world that can turn a frown upside down quicker than words of appreciation.
4. Now it’s time to sum it all up. In one sentence, maybe two if you still have room, express one more time your gratitude.
5. Last, but certainly not least, sign your name. If you’re writing to a family member, it can be just your first name. If it’s outside of the family put in both your first and last name. Feel free to add ‘Sincerely’ or ‘With love’, or try adding a little heart, smiley face, or flower to your signature.
If the card is done by a young child, give them a little space to draw or scribble a little picture, just so they can feel it’s really, truly their own. Let them lick and close the envelope. After you’ve addressed and stamped the note, it’s time to put it in the mailbox.
The great thing about writing thank-you notes is often the blessing goes both ways. Don’t be too surprised to find yourselves being thanked in return.
