Putting it down

The cooler weather brings out the “knitting bug” in me. In the past, I have entertained myself by working on mittens – of every size and color! I had found a pattern that was easy enough… but this year I decided to stretch myself and try a whole sweater. After scouring the stores to find just the right yarn, I was ready… and excited!... to dive in and get started.

 

Knitting can be both relaxing and exhilarating. The more you get done, the cooler it is! Which makes it really hard to put your project down.Such was the case the other day. I was happily knitting along, rocking in my chair and humming… when a big clump of yarn bumped my hand. I tried pushing it father down the line, but it quickly came up against my hand again. I tried pulling more yarn out of the clump. Only a few inches were gained. Grrr! And the clump seemed to be getting both bigger and tighter. A mess! Things were going along just fine and now this horrible knot is the only thing I can see. I finally set both my needles down, and with my other hand pulled the string of yarn from the opposite end. With some slow and easy pulling and a gentle shake or two from this other hand, the knotty mess loosened and broke apart so I could continue on my way.

 

Ever have days like that? Frustrating problems at home or work? Struggling on your own only seemed to make things worse. Then a friend comes along and opens your eyes to a different angle … and viola! What a friend! The situation had been diffused… crisis diverted. And you’re moving again.

 

Now, can you be that kind of helpful friend? And how? Sometimes, people just need to be reminded to put their work down… remind them to stop or slow down or take a deep breath or walk away and come back later. A few soothing words can go a long way. They may need a diversion. A respite from the trial. An intermission for hope.

 

• Sit and close your eyes for five minutes – its going to be okay. I am praying for you.
• Step outside and breathe in some fresh air – and remember I am praying for you.
• God is still your Help in times of trouble – and I am here for you too.

A Smile Break

I know you’re busy. I know you could use a real break. And it’s not just our hands that are busy. Our minds are busy with thoughts of planning and preparing and making lists and wondering and… well, we all could use a break, couldn’t we?

 

People don’t need to be in a crisis situation to appreciate a thinking of you note. Everyone you know is busy in some way. And everyone likes to be appreciated for the efforts they have made.

 

Went to a friend’s house the other night to meet with our knitting group: Thanks for hosting! Your home is warm and welcoming and the treats you made – delish! (Who wouldn’t want to hear that?)

 

Another friend has a heavy workload plus has tended to unending family commitments: Thinking of you and praying your schedule will settle down some now – so you can stop and smell the roses (or coffee!... or wine!)

 

What about an adult child out on their own: I love you lots! Or do you think a grandchild would get a kick out of a snail mail card?  (you might even get brought in for show-n-tell!)

 

What about the friend overloaded with month-end reports. And the friend doing the pick-up and drop-off driving: You are appreciated!

 

When was the last time you put a love note in a lunchbox? Or on a pillow? What if you sent a note right to someone’s workplace? Can you imagine the smile break from that?

 

It makes me smile to think of all the smiles we could generate. Go on! In the same amount of time that it takes to watch three political ads on TV, you can grab a card, write a sentence, address and stamp an envelope. Send a much deserved smile break to ____________ (who comes to mind first?).

 

• You did a great job! Appreciate your efforts!
• Feeling mighty grateful… to call you friend!
• Counting my blessings – and of course you came to mind!

Being a friend

I met someone new the other day. We got into a conversation and she shared about her mother recently passing away. And my heart went out to her. Because we always think of death as the end. But for those remaining behind, handling all the details, life goes on… and on. I am reminded of another friend who recently lost her husband. All the legal stuff has come and gone. Its been several weeks since the funeral. All the sympathy cards have stopped coming. Everyone has gone back to their normal routines. But the grieving process will continue for a long time for her and her family. There is no back to normal for them. And I am prompted to send a little note… saying, my heart is close to your heart during this time. When you weep, you do not weep alone. I am your friend in this….

 

You know there will be the many first–time “withouts” in the coming year. Time will pass. And they’ll find a new normal – in some ways. And once in awhile…. still…. a memory.

 

Does this sound like someone you know? Would a little note from you help? You bet it would.

 

 

• I often think of you and wonder how you’re getting by
• Let me bring dinner over one day next week. I’ll call to set a date.
• Write about a funny, happy time you remember involving the deceased.

Pass it on!

Ever read a daily devotional and nothing jumps out at you? Yeah. Or when you read the bible – this “come up dry” and “thirsting for a special message – just right for me” feeling. Just right for my own special need or situation. Hmmm… sitting there. Wondering. Praying for meaning. A thought about a friend comes to mind. I push it aside. This is my quiet time with God. My time to be fed and directed by Him. So I know how He wants me to follow Him today. Friend comes to mind again. And yet again. I look down at what I was reading. A phrase. A verse. The friend again.

 

Could it be that the message I am seeking… is not for me at all? But for a dear friend. God is directing me – to be a conduit; a messenger. He’s wanting me to pass something on.

 

Coming up empty after reading a devotional or scripture? Ask God if He has someone else in mind. And pass it on!

 

• God brought you to mind today – so I said a little prayer.
• I read this and it made me think of you (include phrase or verse)
• (write down phrase or verse) and just add: thinking of you today

Choosing to remember and believe

 I woke up this morning worrying about my boys. The trials they are each facing. One, finally! – on his way home from Afghanistan, but re-entering our world and “starting a new life”; and another beginning his high school years. And as I prayed, I couldn’t help but include the millions of other parents worrying about their boys and girls… and it got pretty overwhelming. So many children – maybe not on the right track. Making dangerous choices. And I thought about how many generations this has been going on – this worrying over children. I had to stop and remember what I’ve been telling my friends all the while my son has been overseas, “Either God is everywhere, or He’s not.” Either God really loves us like He says he does, or….not. Either God really does take care like He promises, or… not. The bible is filled with His promises of provision and strength and wisdom and power, control and love. Bigger and better than we can. Remind someone today of God’s faithfulness… remember and believe. It is safe to trust in Him.

 

Who do you know that needs this reminder  –

• He’s got the whole world in His hands. For generations, He has.
• Jesus accepts you and cares for you, you and your children too.
• Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His Word …
  
  

Who do you see?

I remember writing notes to my brothers who were in the service. Viet Nam. I was pretty young then. Later, I regularly wrote notes to mom, family and friends while I was in the Navy and stationed far from home. And in recent years, my notewriting has expanded to shut-ins, friends unemployed, those preparing for surgery, others suffering through the treatments of cancer. The list goes on. You know them too. People who are being drained of all the fight left in them. They need a moment of respite. Like a tiny candle in a big, black darkness, a little note from a familiar someone can brighten their day – their journey.

 

It matters. It makes a difference. With very little effort, you can change the tone of someone’s day. Stop and listen to those around you. Pay attention. Every kind and every size of struggle could use some support and understanding. Is there someone facing a big decision? Someone sick and hurting? Facing upcoming surgery?  Is there someone trying to stick to a diet? A caregiver being pulled in several directions? A single parent? A loss of a relationship? I have sent cards out in all these cases and I can personally assure you the effort has not been wasted. And I myself have felt the better for doing it. It’s not about fixing… it’s about “I see you and I hear you. You are not alone.”

 

Open your eyes and ears today. Who do you see? And what will you do?

 

• Taking some time to be still before the Lord… and am praying for you
• I am so sorry this has happened to you… you are in my heart and on my mind
• Someone over here in (name your city) - or on (name your street) is thinking about you and caring about you…

Where is He, indeed?

I moved recently. I won’t bore you with all the agonizing details of packing, sorting, unpacking, finding places for…. But there is something I want you to think about and pass on.

 

I have a ceramic Jesus statue made many years ago by a favorite aunt. Jesus knocking at the door. It’s a beautiful piece. A one of a kind piece ( my dear aunt is well into her 90’s now – there will be no replacing this treasure).  Anyway, during the unpacking and “finding a place for” phase of the move, I looked and looked for the box marked “Jesus”.

And I said to myself, “Hmmm… I know He’s here somewhere!” And, you know, a little light clicked on inside my head – I KNOW He’s here somewhere!

 

How often we get so focused on the doing or so focused on our current situation, and we do wonder where Jesus is. Your head faith tells you He’s here somewhere. May your heart be just as convinced even if you can’t see Him, touch Him, feel Him at the moment.  Remind someone today… just write it down like this:

 

• Jesus is ever present, even when you can’t feel Him. He is at work in your life.
• Good is coming.  Trust in the Lord and wait for it. Don’t give up.
• Watch and wait for the Lord your God. And know that I am watching and waiting with you.

 

Is there any good mail?

Stepped outside into the sunshine this morning, took a deep breath ( you can actually smell FALL in the air!) and guess what it brought memories of? My mom doing her housecleaning and keeping an ear open for the morning mail. Back in those days, it came through a slot in the front door. Back in those days, the chances were greater that it was a letter (good mail) and not a handful of advertisements. Even now, don’t we run to the computer and check our emails… looking for something more personal than another solicitation? And how do you react when you find a handwritten envelope amongst all the sales flyers in your postal mailbox? Someone mailed you a card. A gift to be sure. A real treasure find. What a delightful thing to hold in your hand. You check the return address first. Then rip the envelope open. And there it is – someone slowed down in their own busy life – and thought about you. And bothered to take the time to tell you. Are you like me and set it out on the counter (or the mantle or the whatever) for a few days?  Pick it up again and again and savor the warm, fuzzy feeling … of love and friendship. Take time today to gift someone like that. Send a note. And be the answer to their question: “Is there any good mail?”

 

MESSAGE SUGGESTIONS:

• You came to mind today – I sent a smile and a prayer of thanks up to God.
• Thinking of you is one of my favorite things to do!
• Remembering times spent with you – brings warm fuzzy happiness to my day!