Motherhood has so many seasons—but many of the early moments stay with us long after the lunchboxes are put away.

I remember one from years ago, when my oldest son was just starting middle school, and the rollercoaster of tween-age emotions was in full swing. Even then, in all the eyerolls and growing independence, God gave me a glimpse of how powerful a simple act of love could be.

At his sixth-grade orientation, while he was finding his new locker, I half-joked about sneaking in one day to decorate it with paper hearts—just so he’d know how much I loved him. Judging by the look on his face, I might as well have offered to show up to all his classes. He looked horrified!

Yet the night before school started, I slipped a single yellow Post-it note into his binder. It just said, “Have a great day! Love, Mom.” I assumed he’d see it, smile (maybe), then quietly throw it away before anyone noticed.

Weeks later, he proudly showed me how organized his binder was—and then pointed to the pocket where he had kept that little note. “This is where I keep the note you gave me,” he said.

That simple gesture—a sticky note with love written on it—reminded me that when we offer even a small bit of encouragement, God can multiply it.

And in motherhood, it’s not the grand displays that matter most, but the countless, often small, moments of steady, unwavering love.

You may not be slipping notes into backpacks anymore, but the heart behind those thoughtful acts haven’t changed. In this season, encouragement to your grown child looks different — such as sending a short text –but the impact is just as meaningful. Don’t underestimate the quiet power of intentional love. God uses every bit of it.

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)

“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” – Proverbs 16:24 (ESV)

Journaling Prompt:
Think back to a time when a small gesture—either one you gave or received—made a big impact. What was it? Why do you think it meant so much in that moment?

Now reflect:

• Who in your life today might need a small reminder that they’re loved?
• How could you use a simple creative act—a note, a prayer, a handmade item—to bless someone this week?
• Ask God to show you where your quiet creativity can reflect His grace.

Disclosure: Scriptures marked ESV are taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, ENGLISH STANDARD
VERSION (ESV) ® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Photo: Property of Angie Vallejo.