Wings
of Light
Featured
Writer: Karis Armstrong
"Freely
you have received, freely give." Matthew 10:8
Serendipity
- the phenomenon of finding … agreeable things not sought for
Has
anyone ever reached out to you … unexpectedly … perhaps even undeservedly
… and lifted your spirits for a moment … or a lifetime? Have you
ever found a delightful surprise that’s just for you … but you have no
idea who gave it … or why?
I’ve
spent the better part of my lifetime battling depression. It wasn’t
actually diagnosed until about 2 years ago. I can look back over
my 41 years, though, and see periods where it was severe … and times when
it was not … but it’s been there a very long time.
I
mention this only because, before I was diagnosed, I can remember having
days feeling lost and alone … even in the midst of friends. At times,
I can remember being told that if I would stop focusing on myself and turn
my focus on others, things would get better.
I
really had no idea how to do that! My self-esteem was very low. I
had friends, but I didn’t really believe anyone wanted to be my friend.
(You know … it takes one to be one!) I tried, however, to begin to
focus on others … to reach outside of myself. I started doing things
for others without them knowing it was me who did them. For me, it
was easier to do things anonymously and, for the recipient it was … SERENDIPITY!
I
began paying more attention to things people said … and the things they
didn’t say … the sadness in their eyes … or something someone would mention
about things happening in their life.
I
started dropping funny little things in their mailboxes or by their front
door … just little things to brighten their day. Don’t you love a
little surprise? Sometimes I would attach a Bible verse or just a
silly little saying.
I
have had friends tell me that there is NO way I would have known that the
day they received a little gift was a day when they so needed something
uplifting. And often I really didn’t know … I believe I was inspired
by the Holy Spirit to reach out in that unique way at that very specific
time.
So
… let me share just a few things I’ve given:
*
A shiny gold (antique-looking) skeleton key with this Bible verse:"I
will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven" … Matthew 16:19
*
A small pumpkin in the early fall with “Happy Fall” written on it
*
A box of “eye-opener” mints at the beginning of school … for moms who had
to start getting up early!
*
A drain cover on the last day of summer break … “another summer down the
drain!”
*
A votive candle with this Bible verse: "May
the light of Jesus’ love burn brightly in your heart this Christmas … and
always …"
*
A little angel with this “name tag” and Bible verse: “Grace”
Grace be with you … I Timothy 6:21
*
A little card with a penny: You’re Heaven Cent!
*
A disposable camera: Have a “picture perfect” summer
(or
vacation or …)!
Seems
silly, huh?
Try
it! It might be serendipity for you, too! It’s a wonderful
feeling to brighten someone’s day!
His
and yours … always …
Karis
"Every
good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the
heavenly lights." James 1:17
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