Do you know how much you mean to me? Yes, I mean you. The readers that take time to read my stuff, comment, send me notes, and buy my stuff. I’m grateful to you.

I’m not sure you know how much kind gestures from you mean. I do say thank you from time to time in various posts, but I don’t think I’ve ever devoted one single post to telling you how much your kindness means.

So let me do it now.

I was thinking of Van Morrison’s song “Have I Told You Lately?” which is one of my all-time favorites. I’m a huge Van Morrison fan. And there are a couple lines in the song that stand out to me:

“There’s a love that’s divine
And it’s yours and it’s mine
Like the sun
At the end of the day
We should give thanks and pray to the One”

and

“Fill my heart with gladness
Take away my sadness
Ease my troubles, that’s what you do”

These are the words that make me think of you, dear readers! Your kindness makes me glad, takes away my sadness, and eases my mind. It truly does.

And then, when I get a note or letter from you, it turns my heart to God. I thank Him for the ability to connect us and transform our lives with divine love. When you’re being kind or even just letting someone know that you related to their work, it showcases the beauty of God’s love in action.

That’s how I see it.

I get a variety of notes from you. Some of you write to tell me you enjoyed an article, or liked a book, or even just enjoyed a few words you caught here and there. Recently I’ve been getting kind notes about my artwork, which fills my soul like you wouldn’t believe.

But here’s the thing about your kindness: I don’t take it for granted. I’m humbled by it. Each and every time I get a note or comment I’m filled with gratitude for you.

And yes, sometimes I get cranky or nasty notes, too. If there’s a lesson in them, I take it in. If not, I move on. Those are very rare, though. Most of you write me with lovely words, positive sentiments that keep me going. And I’m so, so thankful for that. So thankful for you. I just wanted to tell you that.