It's the Thought That Counts

 

 

‘I just called, to say ‘I love you’;

I just called to say how much I care…’

From the 1984 song ‘I just called to say I love you’ by Stevie Wonder.

 

 

 I have had an emotional day.

Perhaps that is why I am feeling so tired now!

I have been clearing out various boxes and files from the attic. To be honest, most of these are things that ought to have been sorted out (and, mainly, disposed of) many years ago.

However, as I have been sorting through these various papers, letters, cards, and notes, I have re-read many, and elected to retain some.

And, as I have read some cards and letters from many years ago – received in a time of illness or bereavement, or when I was ordained to Ministry , or inducted into one of the congregations I served, or as I left one of these congregations, and so on – I have been deeply moved; sometimes to tears.

I had not expected that!

Some of these cards would take but a moment to write and send. Some of the letters may have taken a little longer, but still not a very long time. I suspect that those who wrote them will have long since forgotten doing so (that is, those who are still alive). But what enormous encouragement, comfort, hope, etc they brought to me at the time and of which I was reminded as I read them again today.

The sender will not have thought much about it after sending it, I suppose. But here I am, years later, feeling hugely comforted and encouraged by them (not to say, rather emotional!).

Although phone calls cannot be filed and re-visited, I know that these can also be appreciated and treasured by recipients. When I get a call (or, nowadays, a message on WhatsApp or Messenger etc) which comes out of the blue, and is for no particular purpose other than simply to make contact, say ‘hi’, suggest meeting up, etc) then I feel lifted in my spirits.

It takes so little, but means so much.

Alas, I fail miserably at phoning others as much as I should or could. But, I do try from time to time. And I think folks do appreciate it. However, I am better at writing cards, notes, or letters.

Many years ago when I was first in Ministry (or was it when I was training?) I had a conversation with a more senior colleague (with whom I still have contact from time to time). I think I must have said something affirming or encouraging in passing (I cannot now recall). But what I do recall is receiving from him, a few days later, a postcard (handwritten of course) on which he had put down a few words of appreciation.

Over the years I have received many more such cards from him, and from the day of the first, unexpected postcard, I resolved to write short cards or letters or notes of appreciation to others, rather than let their comments, affirmation, or actions go unacknowledged.

Depending on who it is, I may sometimes do that nowadays by electronic means. But more often I will choose to handwrite a card. I think that the effort to do so says something in itself.

And so, throughout my Ministry, I have written hundreds of cards to members, parishioners, guest preachers, the bereaved, the sick and so on and on. I cannot remember the vast majority of these notes, cards, or letters. But, if my experience today of reading so many that I once received is anything to go by, then I suspect that these messages I have sent over these past 45 years have brought hope, encouragement, or comfort to others.

And that is good to know.

And my occasional (but too infrequent) phone calls or messages may have done the same for some.

It doesn’t take much, but what a difference it makes.