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Three Tangible Ways To Encourage Someone Today

Perhaps you remember my post When Wonder Taps on Your Window from last summer?

In it, I shared how an older woman tapped on my car window at the least expectant moment. I’d not seen her in years but she quickly filled the gap with questions. It went something like this: Cathy,
do you remember the basket you made for me and Keith? (Her husband
was terminally ill at the time.) You had little gifts in it and each one
had a Scripture verse that matched the gift. Some women in my church
would like to start making the same baskets for hurting people in our
church. Could you write those down for me?

Below are a few of the gifts that were tucked in Keith’s basket that day. Each includes a suggested tag along with a Scripture verse.

  • A pocket-pack of
    Kleenex (Pier One has colorful options for less than a dollar.) Taped to the pack, a tag read: Not one of your tears has gone unnoticed by
    your heavenly Father. He cares…and so do I. You have kept count of my wanderings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? (Psalm 56:8)
  • Mini-loaf of bread.
    Tied with a pretty ribbon, the tag read: Jesus, the bread of
    Life, is the source for all your needs — emotionally, physically, and
    spiritually. Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. (John 6:35)
  • Votive candle. I dropped the votive in a small
    clear bag and tied the top with a simple cord or ribbon, with a tag that read: You’re not alone during this difficult time. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Know someone in need of a little encouragement this week? The gifts above are practical and inexpensive but they point to an extravagant Love. 

If you have an idea to add to the list, I’d love to hear more. To God be the glory!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father
of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Shhh! It’s Anonymous

Growing up, my dad often helped others anonymously, especially elderly people living nearby. My favorite excursion involved waking up at the break of dawn and dropping off an anonymous gift (fruit, firewood, or another need) on a porch step before the recipient awakened. 

Let’s take that basic idea and kick it up one glorious notch. A few ideas to get the creative juices flowing:

  • Cookies, banana bread, healthy treats, fruit, etc. If time is limited, pick up something. After all, our focus is not on what we give, but rather, Who. Simply attach a note to the gift bag: Taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8 
  • Muffins or a loaf of bread. Or maybe a mini-loaf with canister of tea? A possible tag option: I am the Bread of life. Your strength. John 6:35
  • A beautiful candle for those who are hurting this year. Consider going with a mild scent, such as vanilla, for those with allergies. Attach a card: John 1:5 – I’m the Light in your darkness. 

Other ideas: Top 25 Food Gifts

One more! Today is National Poinsettia Day. No doubt one of these would certainly brighten anyone’s back porch. 🙂

Do you have a favorite anonymous gift-giving idea? I’d love to hear it!

 

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