So what are you thankful for?

I went to my file drawer and pulled out a folder with notes and cards written to me that I have kept for over 30 years. It's not an ego thing on my part to keep notes, but I remember years ago a 'sage' I respect encouraged me to keep a file on notes of appreciation sent to me. They would be important to read when days of discouragement come and to remind me I have made a difference in someone's life. 

Some are from kids who used to be in my youth group like Keith Rogers, Trudy McKesson, Denise Herndon, Kim and Kerri Simmons, Dan Sides, Angela McGinn, Daryl Zeller, and many more. There were notes from some parents who encouraged me as I tried to be a person of influence in their son or daughter's life like Kay Lashley, Linda McHaney, Pat Morrison, Bruce Moran, Peggy Means, and Ronnie and Marsha White.

I have notes from individuals I have worked with in the past like A.B. Morris, Patty Weaver, Danny Mize, Johnny and Susie Davis, Steve Dominiak, Pattye Moore, and Josh Landry. Some like Harrold Owen, Peggy Means and Debbie Bradshaw have signficant meaning to me because they have since died. Still their spirit lives on with the words of encouragement on the page.

And finally the best ones are from three people I admire most: Becky, Erynn and Ryan. They are the notes who touch the very core of who I am and want to be.

So what's the point? The point is true leadership is about impacting people's lives. One significant way to do that is to tell them. Write a note. Before email there was 'slow' mail. Today it's too easy and common to just sent an email to someone you appreciate. Do you really want to make a difference in someone's day or life? Take the time to write a personal note, put it in an envelope and send it 'slow' mail. Send it to their home address. I realize you have to be careful as a professional in writing words of encouragement to other people who work with you but what's wrong with just a 'post it' note? Or a card written by you?

Be thankful. Tell them you appreciate them for something or for just making your life better.

I have kept the cards and notes because they mean more than just cards and notes. They represent real, live people whom I have had the joy of sharing life with. And for each individual it's an incredible memory to be thankful for. 

Have a great Thanksgiving.

rb