Valentines heart (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Here is a great blog from Elementary School Principal Chris Stevens. I’m re-blogging it, as many others have, because it is so worthwhile.
Thank you. I admire you. I appreciate you. These are such simple words to say, but few of us take time to say them. You and I have each been in that place where we needed a word of encouragement. Do you remember how it felt? Hopeless, fearful, and lonely. But someone was brave enough, someone loved you enough to speak life and courage into you when you most needed it.
I have several examples of times I needed to hear some encouragement.
Anytime I’ve had to make a huge decision, my wife has been there to believe in me more than I believed in myself.
Once, during a very stressful time of work, I left the office early in the morning to go handle bus duty. When I returned, my 8-year-old son had used my label maker to print a note that said, “I love you have a nice day”. It reminded me that I didn’t need to impress him. Someone (my son) loved me for who I already was.
During Valentines Day, I received several small gifts and cards from students and teachers. Two brightened my day the most. One was from a staff member that said, “You are a true blessing to our school. Thank you for all you do.”. Another from a tiny Kindergarten girl really made me smile. It had Barbie on it and said, “You’re a princess in progress”. I wasn’t sure how to take that one!
Click here to read the rest of his compelling blog: http://chrisstevenslive.com/2013/02/14/the-art-of-appreciation-letters/
Hopeful 
Hebrews 3:13