Of course, it need not be material possessions. Gifts of self may be given too. Kind words, a phone call to those that don’t get out, an e-mail or card to let another know that they are being thought about or surprising your mate, child, or friend, by fixing them a hot cup of tea, or cocoa or even a glass of ice water is but a tiny gesture that can let them know how much we love them. It is easy to forget that doing such small acts of kindness can touch the heart of another.
I received a beautiful gift not long ago from a newly made friend. It was a posting from her on facebook of a picture of the jar of pickles that I had sent to her, along with my little turtle pincushion that she bought at Maria’s Bedlam Farm Open House. What made this a gift to me was not only this lovely picture, but the note that accompanied it. It was a little note of gratitude for my e-mails and prayers offered for her when she was going through a scary medical procedure. It made my heart glow to think that what was small to me had made a difference to her and was too sweet NOT to re-post it here:
"It's the simple things in life that bring me the most happiness. I am full of gratitude for all I have. Here's 2 chords of wood delivered today... I love fire wood and I love stacking it. It's helping me to face the change of seasons here in New England smoothly and with positive anticipation. I can't wait to get at it! This little turtle pincushion was made by Jane McMillen of Little House Home Arts. I'm a slowsky....my husband is the hare! That's what keeps things functioning around here. The turtle is one of my favorites of Jane's pieces. When he's not on the woodpile he's among the others I collect. My husband spotted it right away in the gallery at Bedlam and bought him for me. Now, Jane couldn't be there Sun. and I was disappointed. She and I became friends a la the Jon Katz method, through the internet. We made a deal to become"penpals"(remember when we were kids and had pen pals?) last fall. She's an exceptional woman, artisan, and hot sh-t! Also a retired psychiatric nurse she helped me through a difficult period of time going through a heart procedure. No one warned me about the depression to follow for all kinds of reasons. She supported me and traveled through this difficult time right by my side.(Even though we are states apart.) She kept me hopeful and laughing all winter. For this I'll be forever grateful. We traveled to Castleton, VT one w/e to visit her home and pick up "Atilla the Hen", my grumpy doorstop. The four of us had a grand time! So when her hubby came to pick up her wares at the end of the open house he brought us this jar of garlic pickles Jane and her daughter had put up. This meant so much to me. We both think it's pure artwork and too pretty to open and enjoy. I think we'll admire it a bit longer! Yes, these simple things have made me a happy woman today. When we say grace before we eat each night we always ask to stay grateful. It's working so far!" C.C.
Gratitude shared is indeed one of the best gifts ever to warm a soul! This lovely note reminds me of how many opportunities there are in every day to reach out and share a bit of love with someone! It is truly in giving that we receive and I receive so very much thanks to everyone's kindnesses! (Thank you C.C.! Your note is truly beautiful and a good reminder to me of what is most important! I removed you and your husband's names to keep your privacy.)
