It's a Happy Thing to Be Thoughtful
some ideas and printables (plus DIY clay toys and jewelry!)
Recently some people from our church gathered around a table and our pastor sparked a discussion around one topic: “What can we do to love our neighbors?”
The goal wasn’t to come up with strategies to convert people or attract more tithe-paying members. The goal was to figure out how to use our collective time, space, resources, and abilities to serve our city.
And, let me tell you, it was an invigorating little lunch.
It’s exciting to sit down and consider how we can love people for the sake of loving them. As I mentioned last week, August with all its transitions can be a tough time. Maybe someone you know could use some cheer this week, and maybe you could use the cheer that comes from thinking of others.
So here are some things you might want to try (and a craft idea at the end of the email!)
Pack an Extra Snack (& Maybe Add A Little Message)
One time I went on a walk with a friend and, when we reached our destination, she reached in her bag, handed me a little purple can, and asked, “Would you like a Bubly? It’s like a little celebration!” I felt so loved as we sipped on our blackberry-flavored sparkling waters and watched the kids play. A can of sparkling water only costs about 32 cents, and offering one at the right moment can mean a lot. You can also write a little message on the can in Sharpie.
Same goes for snacks: if you set aside a bag of Goldfish or make an extra sandwich, you’ll probably find someone who would appreciate it. Being thoughtful just works like that; it often seems to come at just the right time.
Write a Card
Below are a few cards I whipped up. Feel free to print them out (preferably on thicker paper), fold, and write a greeting on the inside.
If you have no clue what to say inside, here’s a tip: describe an experience you had with that person. Describe your thought process when you think about how grateful you are for that person. You don’t need to find new ways to say “You are the best and you’re so amazing, blah blah blah” but you can just say something like:
“When I got home from lunch with you, I couldn’t get over how tough you are as you go through this hard time. You’re truly being so strong, and your kids get to watch you be courageous.”
“Wasn’t that hike incredible?! I love being awed by things with you. Your childlike appreciation of nature makes me slow down and literally smell the roses. You’re truly an inspiration in that way.”
“To be honest, I was so embarrassed by how messy my house was that day that I almost canceled the playdate. But I’m so, so glad I didn’t. Hanging out with you was not only fun, but we were able to have life-giving conversations. You ask wise questions and you are such a good listener. Thanks for loving me well.”
(for a kid) “I love being your mom! You’re seriously so much fun to hang out with. Thank you for being honest and sharing your heart. I’m always here for you and I can’t wait to go on a another date with you soon.”
You might also want to read my post Written Letters Are Permanent Gifts for more on this.
Here are some printables for you! Consider printing two per page if you would like smaller cards.
Make Homemade Toys with Clay
Have you ever used one of those Art-o-Mat vending machines? For $5 you get a token that you can use to buy a small piece of original art (painting, jewelry, linocut, trinket, etc.) My kids love spending their money on these little homemade tchotchkes and trading them with each other, so they figured…why not make our own to give away?
One option is to use air-dry clay. There’s the kind that dries hard—which you can use to make little jars and pottery—but my favorite is the air-dry clay that’s colorful, light as air, and perfect for making hand-held dolls.
Another option is to use classic oven-bake clay such as Sculpey’s. Here are some of the cool things you can make!
For roses, start with a tiny seed-shaped bud and wrap it in flat discs. (They’re easily made by forming balls of clay then squishing them.) Pull the discs out and down a little to make them look like real petals. Add some leaves, bake, and you’ve got a beautiful little nick-nack to give away.
My 7-year-old invented these little angels and they’re so easy to make and so fun to play with and make furniture and food for.
Another super-easy thing to do is made three long snakes then braid or twist them together. They’re easy to stretch to the size you need to be able to slip on and off. Once you bake them, you’ve got friendship bangles!
Creating gifts like these are a great example of how it’s happier to give than to receive. It’s so fun to be part of making it, and it’s so fun to see other people enjoy them. I ope you get to experience the happiness of thoughtfulness this week.
Warmly,
Hope from Family Scripts
So cute! And so thoughtful!
Wonderful ideas, Hope. Thank you for sharing.