"It's never too late to say thank you." That's what my mom used to say when I'd worry that I'd waited too long to write a note of gratitude for birthday or Christmas presents. It's a lesson I hope to pass on to our children, along with encouragement to not wait so long in the first place.

I was shored up in my resolve yesterday when Steve brought home a little book called The Art of the Handwritten Note by Margaret Shepherd. Amidst her praise for practice to improve your handwriting and buying quality pens, and paper that feels good, are her responses to the most common excuses for not writing thank you notes: "I'm too busy," "Nobody writes notes anymore," "My handwriting is terrible," and "I don't have the right kind of stationery," etc.

Not willing to let less-than-perfect handwriting or the lack of "real" stationery stand in the way of simple kindness, I got out a stack of sturdy construction paper (the good kind with vibrant colors and a smooth finish), my stash of sharpies, and what was left of our Christmas postage stamps and set the kids to work.

First, I helped them remember who gave them gifts last month and they captured names on a list.

After that they dove in with the help of a few stencils. They seemed happy for the change in our homeschooling routine and the block of time to be creative.

I was glad for the reminder to not only be grateful, but to let our loved ones know it.

Colossians 3:15-16 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.