Thoughtfulness...

...it's like a steamy mug of your favorite tea (mine would be any kind of Chai), warm, comforting, and good for a re-charge. And who doesn't love being on the recieving end of it?

Tuesday, just before falling into bed about midnight, I found a chubby little red envelope, stuffed to the brim propped up against my alarm clock. Mail I'd missed in my running around that day, John made sure I saw it before bed.

I ripped open it's little flap to find a handmade card and a beautiful little flip book. And every page, card and all, was filled with words meant to encourage. The pages are beautiful and colorful and every one is different. Marked with a different sentiment. And of course I cried. And I laughed a little. And woke John up.

I wrote a paper yesterday on adolescent connection and relationships. And how important it is for them to feel recognized, thought of, found important. It's why things like twitter, facebook, myspace, BLOGS...find such an important place in their lives (in all our lives, for that matter). We want to be thought of. Long to feel connected. To know that the little things that happen in our lives are significant.

But, my dear sweet friend, knows the reality of what that connection should really look like. She's someone I'd go antiquing with, 'cause I'm sure she'd appreciate the history and the story behind every interesting piece we'd find. She hand writes cards and mails postcards from her travels. She remembers the little things and makes a tangible memory for every one...scrapbook page, journal entry, a picture in a frame. I think she knows well what kind of real connection we're intended for. And it made my week to be on the other end of her thoughtfulness.

So, I have a beautiful little book, hanging on my refrigerator door, where I can flip through it when I need to. Every page a clever line or needed reminder. I had to share some, just a few...I hope they do for you what they did for me!

"Love not what you are, But what you may become" -Miguel de Cervantes

"The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit." -Nelson Henderson

"I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkenss for it shows me the stars." -Og Mandino

"Indeed, it is the JOY of the Lord that casts out spirits of depression. It is our living FAITH which destroys spirits of unbelief; it is AGGRESSIVE LOVE which casts out fear." -Francis Frangipane

"A girl is innocence playing in the mud, beauty standing on its head, and motherhood dragging a doll by the foot." -Allan Beck

"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." -Zephaniah 3:17

Thank you, friend! I truly love and appreciate you! Thank you for seeing me! You have a special place in my heart...always have!