This Valentine’s Day Focus on the Little Things
I’m always in awe of the talents with which my children have been blessed. This card is my daughter, Jessica Seller’s creation, and it seemed fitting for Valentine’s. Little things really matter most.
I’m room mother for my youngest daughter. Parents send candies, pencils, snack cakes, yoyo’s, books and any other little things they can find. With help from a few of the students, we filled their sacks quickly, ready for today’s party. Some of the classes did not have room mothers/fathers who could show up and get their classes goodies together. So this group of volunteers from my daughter’s class, happily and cheerfully put together goodies for some of those classes. Their teacher and I observed how much fun these 5th graders were having giving service to their fellow classmates.
My 16 year old son gave me a box of Reese’s chocolates and the cutest hand-made Valentine’s Day Card, and a note thanking me for the things I do for him. Again, a little thing which means much.
Valentine’s is a time to connect with your loved ones, friends, let them know how much you appreciate them. To me small acts of service, throughout the year, is a measure of love. Taking time to listen, share hopes, dreams, a quite smile, a sincere thank you. A helping hand a gift of service. I know how much it meant to me when I left my car with my oldest son and his wife as I flew out to be with his sister and her new baby. To my surprise they’d had my car cleaned and detailed, gas tank filled and waiting upon my return. Unexpected acts of kindness such as this mean more to me than the priciest bling bling on the market. (Of course if I had the million dollar diamond, I wouldn’t turn it down, I’d find some good purpose for it.)
I appreciate those who visit my website, read my blog, inspire me to be more of who I am. The kindness, advice I’ve received from my online friends and acquaintances, and hope to repay in some small way by sharing my thoughts, knowledge, creativity in return. Have a best Valentine’s Day yet as you have fun with small acts of kindness.
What was one of the coolest things, act of service that was done for you? Service you performed for another being?
Feb 16th, 2008 at 5:37 am
My hubby and I went out for dinner on Valentine’s Day. We usually do every year. One of the things I really love, that he does, is just the simple acknowledgment of appreciation he gives for things I do for him. He tells me over the dinner table while holding my hand. He notices them - even the simple little things. It makes doing them even more joyous. Acknowledgment of one to another is a simple thing but means so much.
Feb 16th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Hello Heidi, just stopped by to read the latest. Cute graphic. Sounds like you had a lovely Valentines as well.. TYSoon.
Feb 16th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Heidi,
This JUST happened….
To make a long story short, I have an account with Constant Contact and payment is automatically deducted from my credit card. When I lost my credit card, CC shut down my account. I called and explained the situation and they restored my account on good faith—and when I received the new card I thanked them for giving me the benefit of the doubt (and allowing me to complete my Newsletter). They could’ve made me wait until I gave them my new credit card number but they didn’t.
When my daughter was catching the bus for school, I used to buy breakfast for one of the little boys who was always at the bus stop with her. Even after I lost my job, I continued to buy him breakfast. I actually wrote about that experience in my book.
I’m a firm believer that your blessings come when you bless others!
Feb 16th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Heidi,
You speak of the kindnesses you have received, I am sure that it is because you have so freely given, I thank you for all you have done for me. Have a blessed week!
Claudia
Feb 23rd, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Heidi,
Many years ago, when I was still on active duty, I received orders to Hawaii. My husband, who was also on active duty, was not due to transfer at the same time so my daughter and I moved to Hawaii alone. It was a long flight from the East Coast and we were exhausted by the time we got settled in. We checked into our hotel where we would stay while waiting for housing, called home to let daddy know we had arrived, and decided to go find something to eat even though it was late and we were tired. We rented a car and started in search of dinner. While putting a my daughter’s car seat in the car, I set my purse on the roof. After buckling her in, I hopped in the front seat and we were off. Yes, I was so tired I left my purse on the roof of the car. After driving around we found a Jack-in-the-Box which appeared to be open so we stopped. That’s when I realized I did not have my purse. We were both starving at this point and I always carry a few dollars in my jacket pocket so I got my daughter out of the car and we went in. First, I used the pay phone to call the police station and tell them what had happened to my purse. I was doubtful it would ever be returned, but just in case. Then we ordered our food. As we took our dinner and I reached into my pocket for money, I realized I had taken it out at the hotel and left it on the dresser. So now I was in Hawaii with no money, no credit cards, no ID, and no food for my daughter. I looked at the girl behind the counter and told her what had happened and told her I could not take our order. She looked at my daughter for a minute, reached into her pocket and pulled out $20.00. She said it was all she had on her but to please take it so we could have dinner tonight and breakfast in the morning. “Aloha” she said. “Welcome to the islands.” I was so stunned by her kindness I don’t even remember if I thanked her properly! We ate and returned to our hotel room where to my surprise, there was a message from the police. A gentleman had found my purse along the highway and turned it in - intact! I never did get the name of either of these Good Samaritans but their kindness meant more to me than they will ever know. Thanks, Heidi, for reminding me of their thoughtfulness and giving me a chance to share it.
Feb 25th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Kathie-You have a wonderful husband, cherish him. Acknowledgment is one of those simply things which mean so much. A couple years back I sent a thank you card to one of the mother’s on our swim team. She always let the rest of us know what was going on, was at every event, countless volunteer hours, never one complaint. I let her know how much her efforts were appreciated. A got a call from her, she’d posted the card on her fridge, told me how it brought tears to her eyes.j Not one parent had ever put their thanks in writing and acknowledged her hard work.
Karlyn, Thanks, Jessica did great, it is a cute graphic.
Beverly, kudo’s to constant contact. And you’ve set a great example for your daughter, and yes good things come when you bless the lives of others.
Claudia, Thank you, it is fun to see how you have taken off with your blogs, you have talent. It was my pleasure.
Melodieann, Thanks so much for sharing your story. I enjoyed reading it. Too much we hear of all the bad stuff going on and not enough about the Good Samaritians in our lives, you were really blessed. Yesterday one mother whose little ones are now grown, with little ones of their own, told me of a bus trip she made with 3 little ones and diaper bag in tow, 3 day bus trip across country. A young man traveling the same way took it upone himself to help her with the little ones making their journey so much more enjoyable.