Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Box of Sunshine

I have many, many things and people in my life that make me happy. Like you, I have blessings to list. There are moments, however, I feel like I am going to sufficate, implode, snap or yell. Do you have those moments?

While working for a mission (homeless, transitional & emergency need) a few years ago I became very stressed, frustrated and felt helpless at times. I learned a lot about human nature, God's grace and compassion but still, those moments crept in.

My eldest daughter, Stephenie made me a 'Box of Sunshine'. She instructed me to pull a little note out any time I felt stressed. Some days I pulled 2 or 3 out of the box.

Now, owning my own business I have different 'moments' and often run to my Box of Sunshine for relief. I find that I am calmer after reading one of the notes because I know how much love went in to making the box of notes and because the colors just make me smile.

I'm so grateful for this little box and for those that take time to say or write little things to just send a little sunshine.




18 comments:

Cathe Holden said...

I remember when you received that box! Is it any surprise you raised such a thoughtful and creative daughter?

143

Your sis.

Joyce said...

Oooo that's so very sweet~!

missy j said...

Thanks for sharing. LOVE this idea.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

What a wonderfully sweet daughter! That is SO touching and I love the one that says you don't have anything in your teeth! I chuckled out loud b/c I'm sure my kids are thinking the same thing! That's similar to a Jar of Joy we made for my son's teacher (here's my blog post on it http://aturtleslifeforme.blogspot.com/2009/02/and-its-over.html ). But yours is much sweeter and you should treasure it always!

Anonymous said...

So great! My sister and I did something similar for my parents for Christmas. I decopauged <--? a big jar and titled in "Family in A Jar" Inside, on little slips of paper, my sister and I typed up little memoirs, one or two sentences at the most, showing them what a great and memorable childhood we had. On the instructions I said to pull out one memory each day, but we ended up doing about a ten or twelve on Christmas morning :)

Unknown said...

What a thoughtful daughter you have! Goes to show she loves you alot and you raised her to have a great heart!

Splendid Little Stars said...

That's just awesome! I'm glad Cathe shared it on her blog.

linda said...

hello :)

i linked to this from cathes blog..
how adorable, what a great way to remember how lucky you are

i've been having a fair few of those 'moments'! lately and it's so easy to forget all the good things... i think i'm going to make one of these for my own sister intstead of just unloading my stress on her! thank you for sharing :)

Stacy Orndorff said...

Thanks for Paying It Forward. I love my little box of sunshine you made me long ago.

Unknown said...

I love this! Your daughter is a sweeheart. Thanks for sharing this post.

Colleen said...

OMG! The note says "There's nothing in your teeth!" Now THAT was unexpected!! LOL Thank you for sharing this... I'm going to make my OWN box of Sunshine.

leah - moxiethrift on etsy said...

that's really kinda awesome.

Gini said...

We all need one of those boxes. That is amazing and thoughtful. I am touched.

T.Allen said...

What an incredibly thoughtful gift. I think this is like the best idea-thanks for sharing and giving me something to look forward to passing along the next time someone close to me is in need of some 'light'.

TidyMom said...

What a beautiful gift and a loving daughter!!
I LOVE this idea!!

~TidyMom

Elaine said...

Good morning! a Visit to The Feathered Nest sent me to Just Something I Made and then I found my way here. And I found this post. This morning we had received disheartening news about my sister’s health. My daughter and I have been discussing how we could support her in a fresh way. This lovely idea is one that really appeals to me. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Elaine

ClarissaD said...

I linked to this through Cathe's blog.

Thank you so much! Today has been difficult and this idea is a great inspiration to turn things around!