Just two days ago I said to a friend, "Imagine how amazing it would be, if in my 90s, if I could say I mailed a yellow envelope every week for more than 50 years.  That would be close to 3,000 anonymous letters of gratitude delivered to countless corners of the world.  Imagine.

I think what makes someone shine is not a single act of kindness or generosity.  I think it is consistent giving; giving even when it isn't convenient or easy.  Giving under those circumstances requires genuine commitment, and a real sense of selflessness.

Imagine, the impact I (or you) alone could have on our world if just one of us mailed a yellow envelope every week for more than 50 years.  Of course there are the thousands of Yellow Envelope recipients who will most likely benefit from receiving the encouraging words.  There are also the friends and family of those recipients who heard about the yellow envelope and who are now, in turn, more confident that someone is noticing their efforts to shine.

And then of course their are our kids who watch us sit down each week and craft a thank you note to someone we don't know.  My boys love pointing out things that shine, so I know, already, the idea is rubbing off on them.  And then, what about their kids?  Someday I might be a grandmother and I'll invite my grandkids to join me at the kitchen table so they can also write letters in yellow envelopes.

One person. One letter a week. Over one lifetime.  Imagine the difference it could make.

The idea of one person making sustained effort over a lifetime is what makes today's recipient so perfect and so inspiring.  Take a look at what his nominator had to say:

"Jim is a long-time member of my Kiwanis Club. Just last week, he took office as president. Over his years in the club, this is his third different term as president. He is a valued member of his community. He has proudly contributed to the local United Way fund for over 25 years. He is a regular volunteer with the Salvation Army and Meals on Wheels. He is the ultimate responsible citizen. Jim is not a young man. While I don't know his age, he is retired and spends his time serving his community. He is one of the most optimistic people in our club. Although old in years, he is young at heart and passionate about what he does. If there's a community service project going on, Jim is there... even if he's the only one. This man deserves some SHINE!"

Jim is one person who, over his lifetime, has made sustained efforts to improve his community.  I am sure, donating to the United Way fund is easier some years than it is others.  Still, Jim finds a way.  Some weeks volunteering with Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, or Kiwanis is easy and other weeks, I am sure, Jim must juggle commitments in order to fit everything in.  Still he makes the time.

No question, Jim shines.

Please join me this week in writing Jim a short note and thanking him for so many things.  Thank him for giving so much of his time; for the difference he has made in the lives of so many, as a result of his community involvement; for being a man of honor and showing younger people that it is possible to be successful while helping others also be successful.  Thank him for being an inspiration and for serving as living proof that it is possible to pick a corner of the world - one corner of the world - and to make a difference using nothing more than tenacity.

I hope you will.

His address is listed below.  All you need to do is seal your note in a yellow envelope (or a white envelope decorated with yellow markers and stickers) and place the words, "Yellow Envelope Project" in the top left hand corner.  Remember to mail it before next Saturday when I share the name of our next worthy recipient.

Start today and this could be one of your sustained efforts at making a difference during your lifetime.

Shining off until Monday...