In a World of Quick Words...

Author: Catrina Christensen

Valentine’s Day sometimes gets a bad wrap. Some say it’s just a manufactured holiday designed to boost card and candy sales. And maybe there’s some truth to that.

But if you really think about it, what’s so wrong with intentionally expressing love and gratitude to our family and friends during the cold, dark days of winter?

A few years ago, our family decided to lean into that question, and it has become one of our favorite traditions.

From February 1–14, I place a note on each of my kids’ bedroom doors every day with something specific I love about them. It has been such a gift to watch how they respond to those words. I see the way they are touched. I see confidence grow. I see kindness increase. And I am reminded that words matter.

I often notice wonderful things about my kids, but I’m admittedly not always great at telling them. This tradition has helped me be more intentional.

At dinnertime, we also choose someone in our life and write down what we appreciate and love about them. Then we mail the notes to that person.

Our whole family looks forward to this every year, and I love the way it helps each of us grow. It takes the focus off ourselves and helps us think about others. It teaches us to be creative and intentional in recognizing others as image bearers and appreciating the unique ways God created them. And it builds the discipline of slowing down and putting in the effort to show gratitude and encouragement.

I don’t know anyone who isn’t positively impacted by words of affirmation. Just this past month, I’ve been reminded again how powerful written words can be.

In one case, consistent encouraging notes were sent to someone unable to attend church in person. Those notes didn’t just encourage the recipient; they also deeply impacted their child, who is not yet a Christ follower but saw firsthand how much those written words meant to their parent. Encouragement strengthened one heart and softened another.

In another situation, a church member heard about a need and felt prompted to respond. Part of that response included a handwritten note offering prayer, support, and an open invitation to talk more about faith. It was received warmly. There hasn’t been an immediate next step, but we trust the Lord is working through those words.

At Stonebridge, we see this modeled regularly. Our Care Team’s Card Team faithfully sends out notes each week to those in need. And Pastor Robin consistently uses written words to encourage and build others up; many of us have been recipients of those thoughtful notes.

In our world today, most written communication happens quickly through social media, and too often it is critical, careless, or unkind. What would happen if we slowed down? If we intentionally reflected on the positive traits we see in others? If we took it one step further and wrote those words down and sent them?

Not only would we move away from selfishness, but we would actively build one another up.

So here’s my challenge to you: don’t wait for Valentine’s Day to come around again; start today: