Smiles: One Dollar
I was in a hurry to get to the cluster of mailboxes in my neighborhood before the postman arrived. I had an urgent letter to send and in my hand a small heart-shaped box of chocolates. As I rounded the corner I could see the mail truck nestled against the cluster of boxes. I walked as fast as I could playing out a scene in my mind as to what I’d do if the truck took off before I could reach my destination.
Without so much a glance the woman in the postal uniform perched from the seat of the truck and stuffed mail into the backside of the mailboxes.
“I’m so glad you’re here” I said.
Without looking up she responded, “What can I do for you today?” and continued shuffling the mail in her hands.
“I’m glad you’re here so I don’t have to break Federal Law by placing something in my box without postage on it. These are for you” as I raised my hand high enough over the top of the boxes for her to see.
It was a good surprise. She smiled and said, “I needed something to smile about today.” I responded, “Happy Valentine’s Day” and walked back home. I don’t know her and can’t say whether or not I’ve ever her before. She needed something to smile about today.
It was my last box of dollar chocolates. This morning I left with a sack of them delivering to single friends who may or may not receive a Valentine – I wouldn’t know. My husband gave me a dozen pink roses, a beautiful card and took me to dinner. I don’t recall what it is like to be single on Valentine’s Day but from what I read on a social site last week, some were bracing for “Lonely Hearts Day.” I made a mental note and posted a specially made Valentine on their “wall” today.
I cannot save the world from feeling lonely or unloved. But I can give a smile, an encouraging word, and say, “I love you.” The only one who can save the world and fill the void in a heart is Jesus Christ. As Christians we are called to be His hands and feet. I’d like to think my dollar gesture made Him smile today too because He is the true love of my life.
“Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you” (Psalm 63:3).NIV
My Christmas card List
Creative Memories Reminisce Journal Boxes
My previous post was about my mother not being able to remember some of the people on her Christmas card list. It prompted a desire for me to record something about each precious person on my own list in the event dementia should set in and I need a little help someday. This is not a complete “friend” list. My Christmas card list are those who live out of town or that I rarely see.
This year I wrote a personal note at the bottom of each Christmas letter with a memory or note of gratitude. I’ve begun writing on individual journal boxes something about each person on my list: how I met them, a recollection, or how one has impacted my life. I enjoy reminiscing and am surprised at the obscure details that surface.
I’ve not completed writing about everyone on my list. I plan to place this year’s Christmas cards and letters in a scrapbook to capture this moment: this year. I hope my children and future grandchildren enjoy reading the stories as much as I enjoy reliving them.
Who’s on Your Christmas Card List?
My dad was the one who wrote the annual Christmas letter or poem, addressed and stamped each card, and sent them to a lifelong list of friends and family. After his death my older sister and I took on this task for our mother. Now that Mother is ninety years-old she can’t remember some of the people on her list.
Between my sister and me we can usually come up with a connection: former neighbors, college roommates, colleagues, and sometimes a relative! But there are times we have no idea either. One might think if she can’t remember who they are why send a card? My answer is the recipient still enjoys hearing from my mother and my mother receives pleasure in receiving letters and cards whether or not she can clearly remember the person.
It has occurred to me that my own adult children do not necessarily know all of the people on my Christmas card list and my relationship to them. These people are meaningful to me. I love them all and have stayed in contact with many of them for more years than my kids are old! These people have mentored and molded me into the person I am today. And to think that someday I may not be able to remember is a sobering thought.
My short-term goal is to write a sentence about each person on my list and my relationship to them. Sort-of a” just in case” my kids will need to help me out some day. I’m a romantic sentimental and who knows I might get carried away and write more than a sentence. And if I do, I think I should include what I wrote in that person’s next Christmas card just in case they don’t remember, or know how much they mean to me.
Who Do You Know?
“If you will be my friend I’ll introduce you to your cousins THIS side of the Mississippi,” I recently wrote to a much younger cousin in a facebook friend request. I doubt Brad can remember much about me but I thought he should get to know his cousins, many of them his age. He grew up in Mississippi where our family (of the previous century) originated and the mostly “Texas” cousins I wanted him to get to know are my siblings’ children and grandchildren.
Brad accepted my offer and I proceeded introduce him to “our side” and included the cousins in the same message and how they are related. One niece responded, “I wish I knew half these people.” If you’re following me, all of these “cousins” are my nieces and nephews – my own brothers and sisters’ children and grandchildren! Her response took me by surprise.
For fifteen years I’ve had a home-based business promoting the importance of documenting family history. I teach classes and host annual scrapbooking retreats so customers can have hands-on experience. Little did I realize how disconnected my own family has become. Perhaps family reunions should be a goal. Thankfully there is the Internet and social sites to connect us but being an intimate family must become a priority.
I’ve included a link for free family tree templates and I think you should know about Creative Memories, a company that produces quality scrapbooking products and tools. It is extremely rewarding to document family history as evidenced by my ninety year-old mother. When she comes to visit there isn’t a day that goes by she isn’t pouring through family scrapbooks and photos.
Who do you know? Do you know your cousins and extended family? What things do you do to stay connected? Do you have a family newsletter? Hold family reunions? I want to know!
