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THE
BIRTHDAY BOX
By Cathy
Messecar
“If,
instead of a jewel, or even a flower, we could cast up the
gift of a lovely thought into the heart of another, that
would be giving as the angels give.” - Anonymous
My
grown daughter, Sheryle, handed me a medium sized box
covered in pink floral paper. It was my birthday! Hastily
pulling off the lid, I discovered several small packages
with folded notes attached and a much smaller box filled
with folded strips of paper.
Sheryle
began to explain. “Mom, since you’re busy and always
doing things for other people, I just wanted you to spend
a little time enjoying life’s pleasures. Each day for
the next three weeks, open a package or read one of the
folded notes and follow the advice. If you don’t have
time for the suggested activity, then drop it back in the
box and keep choosing until you find one that fits your
schedule for that day.”
The
present proved to be one of the most thoughtful I ever
received. The “instructions” helped restore balance
and joy to my chaotic life. Some of her simple but
creative suggestions calmed my spirit, some prompted
thoughts toward others:
-
Sit
on your porch and drink your afternoon coffee or tea.
-
Read
a book for enjoyment (at least one hour).
-
Phone
a “long distance” friend.
-
Put
on perfume.
-
Paint
your fingernails and toenails.
-
Cook
your favorite meal for dinner; don’t worry about fat
content.
-
Pick
a bouquet of flowers.
-
Write
for three hours.
-
Drink
your morning coffee out of a teacup.
-
Go
for a stroll – not for exercise but to enjoy
nature’s beauty.
-
Take
a bubble bath.
-
Turn
off phones for entire afternoon.
-
Phone
your grandmother.
-
Light
a candle.
-
Eat
on your china.
The
soothing gifts included shower gel and nylon scrubber,
hand lotion, plant sticks, a pinwheel, tea and a box of
chocolates. All of the tiny treasures had an
“instruction” note, as well.
Nourishing
inner peace is a worthwhile project. My daughter’s gift
caused me to reflect on the busy schedule I keep. It seems
that every time a friend asks, “How are you doing?”
I
find myself replying, “Busy, too busy.”
Since
receiving the birthday box and upon reflection, I have a
new answer. When asked how I’m doing, I now reply,
“I’m learning to relax more and finding that the joy
is being restored in my life.”
Thank
you, my dear daughter.
“But
let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing
for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who
love your name may rejoice in you” (Psalm 5:11).
Customize
a gift box for a busy friend or relative.
This
article is copyrighted by the author. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this article may be reprinted without
permission of the author. ©Copyright
2001
Cathy is guest columnist for the Houston Courier, and will be featured for five consecutive weeks, on their religion pages on Fridays. She writes a column for her church entitled "Nest Near His Altar" from Psalm 84 verses 3,4.
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