from Ben's mom
I was still in high school when someone told me about a cookie file. It was a much older wiser person in leadership, and they told me that they kept a file in a drawer with all the special little unexpected notes of encouragement they had ever received. On days when things weren't going so well, and when it was easier to feel unloved than loved, you pulled out the cookie file for a little perspective.
So I started a cookie file of my own. I confess that too many moves have left remnants of my cookie file scattered in different locations. Some things have been lost; some I threw out and now wonder why I couldn't have kept a few more personal notes. (They don't take up that much space.)
But one day last week when I got the mail, I had a new addition to the cookie file. A dear friend far away had sent a note of encouragement for this season of our lives and slipped in a $20 for take-out on a night when I wasn't up to making dinner. I literally sat down and cried I felt so loved. (Thank you S!)
In this season of my life where I am called to rest more and accomplish less, it is easy for me to look at others and wonder how they've done this 4, 5, or more times and still fed their families, cleaned their houses, and made it to church looking put together. I have started describing myself as "not too hardy." But when I read that note, I suddenly felt valuable for simply being me.
I also realize how much you can accomplish with the unexpected. A friend sent me a teabag and a note a few weeks ago and it made my week. There really is something to Random Acts of Kindness and I am already looking forward to helping fill a few cookie files in the future.
4 comments:
When I started my job as a legal assistant at HSLDA, Dana Henry (whom I was replacing) told me to set up a "Smile File" to keep good notes and emails in. She said it was especially useful on depressing days. Dana was right - I still have one, and I take it out every once in a while to look through.
--DJ
if you ever feel like you're not "hardy" enough, remember that your body is doing the work of hiking a small mountain each day. resting is always productive!! :-)
Anne, I remember you encouraging me with that the first time around. In fact, I remember finding the energy to go visit you, Steph, and Kim just to get a little encouragement. Thanks again! -rlr
As I was reading this post, I was thinking, "Hey! Darren told me about this idea when I filled in for him while he studied for the bar (and won Sara's heart)!" Then, I see his comment and realize I owe my thanks for the Grand Idea to Dana! Thanks for posting and in doing so reminding me of how valuable we are to one another, even when we don't "feel" it.
Post a Comment