Once upon a time I thought if I could make enough spreadsheets, post enough lists, or structure my planner enough, then I could build the scaffolding for smooth, meaningful days. I imagined days where love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control could just spill right out of my heart.
Turns out “fruit” doesn’t grow on spreadsheets. Nothing against lists, mind you. But through God’s gentle teaching over the past several years, I’ve embraced the natural rhythm of days and grace in the midst of busyness.
It’s a beautifully confounding idea that the miraculous is often present in the mundane. A moment setting aside a scrambling schedule in order to kneel down, look a little one in the eye, and just listen to what is on their heart, is worth all the crossed-off lists in the world.
In short, I’m learning that the “small” can be momentous. That the moments make the days. And that it’s the humblest things that make life the richest.
How a jar can unify your family
Take for example the idea of a simple jar and a few pebbles. What if these everyday things could help unify your family throughout the day? What if it weaved hearts together? Here’s what I propose:
1) Find a jar, bowl or vase.
2) Obtain a group of pebbles, glass gems (as you might use in a fish tank or for the game Mancala), or other memento—one style or color for each person in the family. Even just a slip of paper with each person’s name written on it would do the trick.
3) Each morning every person takes a pebble of another person’s chosen color. Slip it into a pocket, lunch box, brief case, purse, pencil box or backpack. Gather before parting ways for the day to talk about prayer requests for the day.
4) Throughout the day, whenever that person comes across the pebble, it’s a prompt to say a quick prayer for the person it represents, and whatever they might be facing in their day.
5) At the end of the day, take a moment to go around and debrief about the day. Each person asks the person whose pebble they drew how their day was. Then let them know how or when they were prayed for.
6) Finally, deposit each of those traveling gems into your chosen jar. Over time, the intermingled pebbles (or other items) serve as a visual reminder of how cherished each person has been in thought and prayer.
A message in a bottle
In my research for the newly-released Message in a Bottle Romance Collection, I’ve come across some incredible stories of objects and messages in simple vessels. This is just one way to make a living message of your own and create a beautiful tradition.
For a chance to win one of five copies of that book, tell us in the comments: What is one simple but important message you would love your family to carry in their hearts each day?
Amanda Dykes is a drinker of tea, dweller of Truth, and spinner of hope-filled tales. She spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family, who love a good blanket fort and a stack of read-alouds. Give her a rainy day, a candle to read by, an obscure corner of history to dig in, and she’ll be happy for hours. She is the author of the critically acclaimed Bespoke: a Tiny Christmas Tale, a contributing author to the newly-released Message in a Bottle Romance Collection, and enjoys connecting with her readers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
I want my family to remember to love one another and that we have one another’s best interests at heart, while fully relying on God!
His Glory Each Day, a song in their heart. A renewed mind and a thankful attitude.
I would love my husband and daughter to carry in their hearts that as forgiven son and daughter of God Most High, they have access freely to the Throne of Grace and that He stoops to hear their prayers. [Psa 113:5-8 NKJV] 5 Who [is] like the LORD our God, Who dwells on high, 6 Who humbles Himself to behold [The things that are] in the heavens and in the earth? 7 He raises the poor out of the dust, [And] lifts the needy out of the ash heap, 8 That He may seat [him] with princes–With the princes of His people.
Jenn, this is such a beautiful, rich, humbling scripture. Thank you for sharing- it blessed my heart today!
I pray my family remembers a continual phrase found in scripture, “Do not be afraid!”
Be strong and courageous, for God is with you!
Debbie, SUCH an incredible truth to hold on to. Thank you so much!
I hope they always carry with them the knowledge that God is always with them. Even when bad things happen God can be found! He never makes a mistake so we have to trust Him always.
Brenda, thank you for sharing that. We were just talking about this very thing this morning; that even in the hard times, God is ever-present. I’m so thankful!
Having God in our lives gives us peace, love, and understanding. Life is so much better with God than not.
That fruit of His spirit truly is such a gift. Thank you, Jill!
That God loves each of us and offers us the best Gift ever–Jesus, each person’s personal Savior.
Love this so much. Thank you for sharing, Amy!
That as a family we are all here to build each other up…not tear each other down. It is way too easy to not treat those close to us in a loving manner.
Shannon, such a good reminder, and one I’m going to tuck close to my heart. Thank you for sharing!
I would like my family to remember that Jesus loves them and is always with them.
Christine, that is the very beat of our hearts for our families, isn’t it? Thank you for sharing that beautiful heart of yours here!
God is watching. 🙂
Tonya, thank you for being here! Such a good reminder that he is there with us each second, to offer strength, call us deeper, and walk with us. Thank you!
What a wonderful and creative idea this is. I love it! I will gather the pebbles and jar and implement this right away. Thank you so much for sharing this with us Amanda. <3
Hi Loresa! Thanks for your kind words, I hope it brings an extra spark to your days!
I would love my family to know each and every day that they are loved by God and by me!
I echo that, Lisa! Thanks for sharing!
What a lovely idea!
I want my family to know that they are valued, cherished and loved my God every single day of their lives.
Rebecca, that’s what it all boils down to, isn’t it? Thank you for sharing your heart!
What a lovely idea!
I want my family to know and remember that they are valued, cherished and loved by God every moment of their lives.
The message I would love my family to carry in their hearts each day is that I love them so very much and yet God loves them even more. I will do everything in my power to be there for them, to support them, and to cherish them, but God will do more. He is unable to fail them.
Mary Lou, such wisdom! Thank you for this beautiful reminder today!
My comment has a ? at the end that was supposed to be a heart ?? I don’t know how to fix it!
Weird…my heart was changed again when it posted!
There is NO question that Jesus is your shepherd. He will NEVER leave you!!!!
I would like my family and friends to know that they are loved and cherished by Jesus and that if they put their trust in Him He will never leave them nor forsake them ?
He is so faithful, isn’t he? Thank you, Cheryl! And don’t worry, I promise to see that “?” as a heart! 🙂 I am the queen of technology trouble and have totally been there before!
My children are adopted(sibling family of five) and I want to instill in them that even though their parents could not take care of them Jesus will always be there to take care of them no matter what. He loves us unconditionally.
Sara, thank you for sharing your beautiful heart for your cherished kids. Praying for your sweet family today!
My message for all family and friends is to love like Jesus! In order to love like Jesus, you need to know Him and have an intimate relationship (not religion) with Him seeking Him in everything and surrendering daily to His will and purpose.
Love this visual of the pebbles in a bottle or jar. Another way we, as women at our church experienced praying for one another was that at one of our events, I asked each woman to bring a coffee mug with their name written on the bottom and to place it on a table set aside when they entered the event. After the event was over, I asked each women to pick a mug that was not the one they brought as they left. The mug was a reminder that each time they had coffee or hot tea or used it for a simple vase, to ray for the woman whose name was written on the bottom of the mug. I still have women today that thank me for this visual reason to pray for someone even if they did not know their need or trials.
I really appreciate your heart in this matter, Amanda!
Deb, what a wonderful idea! I love the idea of swapping mugs, and how it weaves that reminder and call to prayer and love, so seamlessly into a day’s routines. Thank you for sharing!
Love this message. It’s so true. We get so busy with stuff we forget to smallest things mean everything. Jesus was an example that we need to follow .
Kay, how I love your words. Jesus is the best example… and the Great Creator of those little things that mean so much. Thank you for sharing!
I would like for my family to remember that Jesus is with them and that he will never leave them or forsake them. They never walk alone!
Gretchen, what strength and refuge your words offer. Thank you for sharing!
That Jesus loves them always! And forgives them always! And that they need to focus on Him for everything. That is my true deep down desire for my family.
I love this, Deanna. That is the truest message of all. Thank you for sharing!