Wright Words: How to tell a stranger 'you matter' for 25 cents

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have someone step into your life, especially on the days you wish would end early, and look you in the eyes with that powerful message?

“You matter!”

My friend isn’t naïve and neither am I. We know that a 25-cent treat doesn’t solve life’s serious problems. It doesn’t help someone find a new job, cure family illness or return the prodigal son. But it just might make all those things seem more possible.

When life gets tough, when days seem bigger than our spirit, having someone look us in the eye and remind us we’re not alone could be the greatest gift of all.

I’m grateful that after so many visits to our favorite watering holes, I’m finally paying attention to my friend’s chocolate miracles. And I can’t wait to start performing my own.

In fact, I think I'll hit 7-Eleven on the way home tonight.

I hope they have chocolate-covered cherries.

Jason F. Wright is a New York Times best-selling author of 10 books, including "Christmas Jars," "The Wednesday Letters," and "The 96th Annual Apple Valley Barn Dance." He can be reached at jwright@deseretnews.com or jasonfwright.com.