Thankful Thursday - Care Packages

Today's Thankful Thursday topic chosen by our hostess, Iris from Grace Alone, is care packages.  Iris wrote about how receiving care packages from home lifted her spirits.  Her mother sends her things that she has chosen specifically for her, a treat that can only be found in her native land or a card with special sentiment.  Iris reminds us, "Remember: little care packages or notes can cheer up a friend."


This reminded me of a special tradition that some of you may participate in, "Secret Sisters" or it is sometimes called "Secret Pals."  A group of women would write on slips of paper their birthdays, anniversaries and favorite little treats.  The slips of paper would be drawn by each lady and the name on that paper was your secret sister.  Then each holiday and for their birthdays or anniversaries you were to get them some kind of small token or gift.  Also, you were to be offering up special prayers for the person all year long.  At the end of the year, a party would be held and the secret sister revealed.


Over the years, I have participated in "Secret Sisters" many times.  Today, I am reminded of one year in particular.  This sister went the extra mile for me.  I was always finding gifts, cards, and little momentos on my desk or in my mailbox.  I remember on St. Patricks day she left a bag of wintergreen Life Savors and a card propped up against the door to my office.  On July 4th, there was a blue star-shaped candy dish filled with Starlite peppermints.  (I still have the dish to this day.) Somehow, she overheard a conversation where I told of finding a crystal bowl at a yard sale.  At Christmas, I received a gorgeous brand-new crystal fruit bowl.. Little encouraging notes or cards came my way that year, sometimes when there was no occasion at all.  She was the world's best secret sister!

Friendship is a very beautiful gift, and I'm so thankful that the Lord has allowed friends in my life. It's also a responsibility to give back to those friends.  I have fallen short many times. I'm challenged to do better in this area.

As Iris said, little notes or packages can cheer up a friend.  Do you know someone that needs to be encouraged?  Why not drop a card in the mail to them today?  Sometimes just knowing that someone thought of you makes all the difference!

Yes, it takes effort and some expense.  But it's worth it.  (I'm challenging myself as well as my readers!) The Word says:  "a true friend sticks by you like family." (Proverbs 18:24 the Message) Ask Him how you can show support to your friends, today.

If you'd like to share your thankful heart today, link up at Iris Nelson's blog, Grace Alone.