Secret Sister

We've all seen it.

The latest thing flying around the Internet.

People everywhere are weighing-in as to how they feel about a gift exchange...

I propose a slightly different idea!

The holidays are coming up and with them New Years Resolutions.

No matter whether you make them or not, I suggest a sort of "resolution" that will lift the spirits of all involved:

Secret Sisters!

Before you write me off and stop reading, give me a chance to explain.

Raise your hand if you like mail.

I don't mean "You've got mail" mail.

I mean the old-fashioned, slower-than-it-used-to-be, snail-mail mail.

Anyone?

I thought so.

Me too. ;)

So here is my proposal in a few simple steps:

#1 -- Think about your family & friends - is there a woman that you know has been struggling with something lately? Is there a woman that needs some encouragement?

Don't you dare tell me that there is no one you know that fits in either (or both) of those categories!

Every single woman has a struggle. Every single woman needs encouragement.

You can pick just one woman for the year or several - it's completely up to you! :)

#2 -- Do you have their mailing address? It might be hidden away in the dark crevice of a desk in something called an "Address book"...or maybe you really don't have it & you'll need to acquire it (do this as secretly as possible!)

#3 -- Grab a piece of stationary, make a card, buy one at the store - the main point is to have something to write on or in.

#4 -- Write! Write a note, create a poem, share a favorite Bible text...

#5 -- Do not sign your name - just put "secret sister," or whatever you would like to call yourself.

#6 -- Put it in an envelope, seal it up, clearly print the address, add a stamp and place it in the mailbox! Remember to leave off your return address if you want to be anonymous & be creative with the town you mail it from (postmark ;) .

#7-infinity -- Repeat!

Sound easy? It is! :D

Think about it - you are being a blessing to someone without asking anything in return.

How would you feel if you came home from the worst day ever - work was terrible, your boss didn't understand why you were late for a meeting, a cow stepped on you, your kids won't stop screaming...

You walk to the mailbox and begin sighing at the pile of bills that never ever get lost; suddenly something catches your eye.

An envelope with your name on it.

You open it up to find that inside is a note that someone took time to write - just for you!

Your day doesn't seem so bad now, does it?

The noise from the kids starts to lessen, work is a memory & the toes don't throb as much...

All because God just used someone to sign His name to the end of your day.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Lord, I give my life

A living sacrifice

To reach a world in need

To be Your hands and feet

So may the words I say

And the things I do

Make my lifesong sing

Bring a smile to You

Let my lifesong sing to You

Let my lifesong sing to You

I want to sign Your name

To the end of this day

Knowing that my heart was true

Let me lifesong sing to You"

(Lifesong by Casting Crowns)