It is time to celebrate spring and share joy.

Winter has been long, dreary, and tiring. Now the sun shines brighter; grasses splash vivid greens over barren soil; birds explore new food sources and I want to rush out and take it all in.

These baby kittens call me outside!

Miss Kitty had 3 little ones by our front porch. I want to play with them; to pick wildflowers in the meadow; sit by the budding dogwood. But, I have work I must do; or do I?

Are you feeling too overwhelmed to celebrate springtime?

Here is a message for you: there will always be too much to do and too little time to enjoy God’s wonders unless you plan now for it. The truth is, my desk is piled high with urgent needs and those in my care require more of my time. My dining table I cleaned last week is over-flowing again with “stuff”.

Here is truth: there will always be work to do; you may never be caught up!

Consider this: I made a decision about my world. It’s not earth-shattering, but life-saving for me. I decided I won’t ever get my work caught up and we may not eat at the dining table again, ever! I will never be the perfect caregiver, homemaker, office manager, or writer; there will always be work waiting for me.

Decide to celebrate spring, make a plan and stick to it.

So, here’s the thing. I am going to allow a little time to celebrate the arrival of SPRING and to share the joy with others who need encouraging! I am positively little-girl giddy as I think of it. You may laugh when you hear what I plan to do this week.

You, too, can share joy with these easy and inexpensive tools.

Begin with a box of sandwich baggies and a roll of colorful ribbon in hand to fix tiny Joy Bags to share everyday.  I keep a bag in the car and in the house to give to the mailman, the delivery guy/gal, the waitress or attendant wherever I am, to the lonely person on the street, people in the nursing home; whoever God puts in my path!  Fun!

Here are some great items to tuck in your goody bag:

• a few candies … inexpensive, individually wrapped from the dollar store.
• a gospel tract (or typed scripture or sayings on a small card)
• small hand-written greeting or scripture about God’s love
• simple recipes
• tiny silk flowers or pretty stickers
• crackers or cookies or Rice Crispy snacks
• small pads, ink pens; maybe a small stamped envelope, folded
• can you see …. the possibilities are endless. What do you have lying around to brighten someones day?

 

Let the family help you in putting them together and in choosing who will get them.

Have you found some fun way to celebrate spring’s arrival?

The awakening of the earth reminds us of a Loving Creator. Spring seems to bring with it the promise of better days. I pray for you a delightful spring as you care for yourself, family, and others God puts in your path.

Hugs,

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