~Small Things~

I received the cutest flip flop card in the mail. On a cold day in January the card came into our mailbox via our faithful mail-lady. It was bright, cheery and very appreciated. The front had lots of little flip flops, all colors with a bright background of blue.

I love flip flops. I always have. I grew up in Southern California where the heat is hot in the summer and sidewalks are too hot to go barefoot. So my Mom always took us to our local Rexall Drugs to buy our 25 cent flip flops. My sister and I would debate colors. She usually picked blue. I always picked red or orange if the red ones were gone.

Anyway, the card is cute. It is a 'keeper', not because of the pretty colors but because of the sweet words inside. Encouraging. Kind. Gentle. Filled with cheer! Love resides in that card. It isn't the CARD---it is the one who sent it. She is kind, gentle, encouraging and filled with cheer.

Many moons ago I was in a meeting about "how to encourage others"....at my house. It really was just some girlfriends brainstorming 'how' we could make a difference. How we could become 'sisters of encouragement' like Barnabas! Not just to each other but to the Church. To Missionaries, to friends, to lonely people or shut ins. I remember vividly some of the conversation that day.

One friend said 'anyone can send a card'! "When was the last time you sent a card?", I asked. I said it in a 'gentle' voice to all of us. She didn't answer. Someone else mentioned anyone can make a phone call. "When was the last time you called someone lonely just so THEY could talk?" Silence. 'Any one can stop by for a visit' was also mentioned. I said yes, anyone can do all these things. Anyone! BUT WE don't do them.at least not often. Why? We count them as 'small things'. We have kids to bath, laundry to do, meals to cook, school to teach and a shower for ourselves once in awhile. BIG THINGS in our minds. Important things! Yes, and they are.

Yet, small things matter too. They mattered to Jesus and they should matter to us. So take the time this week to send an ecouraging note to someone. Ask Jesus who you should send it to, if no one comes to mind. No fancy card needed, even one made of paper you have at home. It just might 'give courage' (which is what encouraging means) to someone who needs it. A single parent, a widow or widower, someone laid up, a child who is struggling, a teacher, a Pastor or a deacon, thank someone for being a blessing! The opportunities are endless!

I am thankful for my flip flop card. It sits on my desk to remind me......did I send a card this week to encourage someone? A small thing, yet a BIG thing to MY heart!

Signing off for now, hugs, Lynette