“If nature has made you for a giver, your hands are born open, and so is your heart; and though there may be times when your hands are empty, your heart is always full, and you can give things out of that~warm things, kind things, sweet things…”~ Frances Hodgson Burnett
Good morning sweet souls. My ‘Sunday Thoughts’ today are about the joys and blessings of anonymous giving.
We all have learned many important lessons from our dear mothers, haven’t we? The other day, when I was preparing a pot of soup, I began thinking of my mom and how she enjoyed making soup. We always had soup in the winter and lots of it. And, if mom knew of a neighbor or friend who was not feeling well, you can be sure they were about to receive ‘love in a jar’ ~ her soup.
The soup, however, was not delivered in an ordinary manner. Mom would ladle the soup into one of her quart canning jars, put a lid on it and attach a note. On one side of the note, it told the type of soup and on the other side it read, “Feel better soon.” It was my job to write the note, as mom’s handwriting was extremely recognizable. Then, she would send me on my way to deliver her lovely concoction, always with the instructions, “Knock, run and don’t let them see you!”
Early on, in my “knock and run” missions, I asked mom why she didn’t sign the card and why she didn’t want anyone to see me. Her answer, “It isn’t important for them to know the source of their jar of love, it is simply important they receive it, feel loved and get better.” Receiving a ‘thank you’ was not important to mom. My lesson ~ good deeds don’t always require recognition.
“Loving service anonymously given may be unknown to man ~ but the gift and the giver are known to God.” ~ Thomas S. Manson
“I’m a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world.” ~ Mother Teresa
Throughout the years, I went on many “knock and run” missions and delivered a wide assortment of goodies, and countless loads of blooms. And, if the truth was known, I rather imagine many of the recipients knew the origin of their delivery. It was fun to go on these missions and the goodness of my dear mom’s heart came back to us many times over. But, isn’t that the way it always works? God sends his “love letters to the world” by way of giving souls with huge hearts. And, He rewards them abundantly.
Dear friends, many thanks for your visit. Know, I am wishing you and yours a day of peace and love.
And…
May your week ahead be filled with everything good and wonderful.
“Scatter Joy” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Amour,
Sandra
Note: Images, tumblr and Pinterest
Sandra, your precious mom was so like mine. Gifts given from the heart for no recognition is a sure way to share God’s love. Your missions to deliver taught you many valuable lessons that have influenced your giving. Another lovely post my friend, God knows the giver and the intent of the heart. Blessings on this Sunday! ❤
Dear Pam, you and I were truly blessed by the love and goodness of our mothers. Thank you for your most kind words. Wishing you and your lovely family a beautiful and peaceful day.❤
Sweet Sandra, this is such a beautiful post. You are so blessed to have such a dear mother. I can see that her sweetness and kindness has been passed on to you. My family has always practiced this way of giving. You reminded me of one of the things I most admired about my grandparents. I witnessed their giving spirit several times and often in secret when they didn’t know I was watching. My grandparents were and my parents are such kind givers. I have tried and hope to have instilled this in my children. Dear friend, I hope your week is filled with lots of joy and blessings!
Dear Shannon, thank you so much. Yes, I was truly blessed with my mom and all that she instilled in me. I am sure you have instilled such kindness in your children as you are their beautiful and kind mother. Wishing you a beautiful and peaceful day, sweet friend.❤
What a sweet, sweet memory of you and your mom sharing in those neighbourly ‘knock and run’ missions. Love it! I love those kinds of surprises. Something lovely to keep in mind as we start this new year. Thank you, Sandra! xox
Yes, Brenda, those types of surprises are the best. I imagine you are seeing snow and cold weather and would be happy with a jar of soup, although it would probably freeze if left on your porch too long. Thanks so much for your visit and always for your friendship. Happy day and week to you, my friend.❤
That’s a lovely thing for your mother to have taught you! It reminded me of my father who always let us help pick out toys and gifts for families in need at Christmas but made it a point to always ask the mother of the family to tell her children that the gifts were from herself or Santa, not from him.
That is lovely, Dewena. It is the same type of beautiful message my mom wanted me to understand. I think we were both blessed. ❤
What an adorable Mom! Great post,dear Sandra! ” But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.(Mathew 6:1-4). Really beautiful!
Beautiful, Maristella. Mom knew this and taught it to me. Blessings to you, dear friend. ❤
Sandra friend, the messages in your post are very beautiful. It has so many virtues, everything you say is a real pleasure to read you. I am excited to see that there are such beautiful people in life and that, in addition, God is pointing the finger where I have to go … Yes, dear Sandra, He directs me … I am sure. Because in this huge ocean that is the Internet, I can capture people as interesting as you and Pam.
I recently published on my blog and sent a link, if you don’t receive it, tell me why the first time I do it through this system and I don’t know if it arrives.
A hug
Dear Dolores, thank you for your beautiful words. I did not receive notice that you had published a post. So disappointing, as I don’t want to miss a single one. You are a talented writer and I so enjoyed the music. I registered again to receive your post and it said I was already registered. I will ask the young man who manages our web site if he can figure it out. Until then, always let me know.
I consider your friendship a blessing and as you say “through the ocean of the internet,” God manages to link like-minded souls. Wishing you a most beautiful day. Love and Hugs, dear friend.❤