Today I received an unexpected text from my wife Laura. We’ve been married over 29 years and she never ceases to surprise me. The text said “Bradley Appreciation Journal.” That is one of the coolest texts I have ever received. She didn’t expect a Laura Appreciation Journal, but I did it anyway.

Now before you dismiss this as self gratifying, cheesy, or sappy. I want you to imagine how you would feel if your spouse or loved one sent you a text like that. Yep, that’s what I thought. There’s something inside each of us that longs to know we matter to someone and our lives are somehow making an impact. So why not stop and do that right now for the ones that you love?

We’re in a series at Core Church called ImPerfect Family. We may not have a perfect family, but we can have a healthy family. It’s the little things that make a big difference. Like sending a text at an unexpected time.

Here’s my challenge to you. Stop everything you’re doing right now and write an Appreciation Journal text to those you love. Don’t wait until later. Do it now. There are very few things that matter more at this moment than letting the ones you love know how much you love them.