How to Say Thank You

1.  Inquire of an old friend who knows the mailing address of the person you wish to thank.

2.  Buy a beautiful card.  Write a note in the card and then write a letter to go with it.  The card will have a message about how important little acts of caring are in today's busy world, and will say "Thank you for your thoughtfulness."  In the card, you will write "Years ago (nearly 16) you blessed and encouraged me with a letter you wrote me . . . I just want to thank you for that."  Apologize if you must for having waited so long to say thank you.  Listen to your husband when he tells you it's not too late.  In the letter enclosed with the card, say that you carried that long-ago letter in your purse for more than ten years and found encouragement from it, even after it began to fall apart along the folds.  Write also about how the situations that were so troubling sixteen years ago have worked out, and about the blessings you're reaping now.   

3.  Add a lovely family picture (There might be seven more children than when you first wrote.  Identify each child by name and age.) and mail the card and letter.  Perhaps it will arrive on a day when the person you're thanking is deeply discouraged, and nearly ready to give up on a passion that has thrived and brought pleasure over many decades.  Perhaps it will serve as a reminder that God never forgets an act of faithful obedience and will reward in His Own good time--and that difficulties of your own are what prepares you to minister to others with difficulty.  Perhaps it will be possible for the recipient of the thank you to find courage.