The Incredible Impact of 47 Cents

What kind of difference can you make with an investment of 47 cents?
 
Plenty, when that money is spent for a stamp…and that stamp is affixed to a hand-written note.
 
We live in an age of the digital and the immediate. Text messages have replaced love letters. Email has become the standard for communication. Yes, it’s an instant way to share our sentiments.  But something is lost when all of our interaction becomes electronic.
 
When was the last time you received a hand-written note? Think back about how you felt.

 
Did you rip it open ahead of your bills and junk mail? Probably so.
 
This past week, I did just that. I received a hand-written note from a colleague from a non-profit Board of Directors. I had just completed a three-year term of service on the Board. His note affirmed the impact and contributions I had made. And it touched my heart. I’ve read it several times. And I shared the letter with those closest to me.
 
General James “Mad Dog” Mattis has just been nominated to be the next Secretary of Defense. His resume is impressive. But what will never be reflected in his curriculum vitae? That he personally wrote hand-written notes to every parent whose son or daughter was killed under his command. Just imagine how many times those notes have been read and re-read.
 
Who could you bless with a hand-written note this week? It doesn’t have to be long. Your handwriting doesn’t matter. Your words don’t need to be multi-syllabic.
 
Just share your heart. Tell someone “thank you.” Affirm a character quality. Celebrate an accomplishment.
 
Yes, it takes a few more minutes than sending a text or email. But it will provide a lasting source of encouragement that can be read and re-read.
 
Please. This week. Even today. Take a few minutes. Write one note. Spend 47 cents.
 
And leave nothing unsaid.