The Language of Friendship

The Language of Friendship July 24, 2014

You know how “gift-giving” is one of the Love Languages, alongside “words of affirmation,” “acts of service,” “quality time,” and “physical touch?”

I always rank pretty high for “gift-giving” but, honestly, I think it’s really more a subset of “acts of service” than anything else, at least for me. That’s why homemade gifts are so much more heartwarming than storebought gifts, and thoughtful gifts are more gratifying than extravagant but off-the-cuff presents.

I suppose I’m saying “It’s the thought that counts.” Or maybe I’m saying that the gift IS the thought–the thought, the time, and the will, all directed outside of yourself, towards someone else.

Maybe that’s why, of all the kinds of gifts, I like care packages the best.

One arrived today, from a sweet friend in France, Tiphaine.

Everything about a care package speaks to thoughtfulness and time. Time spent collecting items, finding just the right box, filling it, packing it carefully and attractively. Writing a note to include inside, and closing it all up.

Taking a trip to the post office to mail it, sending it off with the hope that it will arrive in good shape and speed.

 

Doesn’t that just make you feel all warm and wonderful?
My children were bursting with impatience to get at the candy (which they spotted the moment the box was open), and didn’t quite understand their mother’s desire to read the note over slowly and lift things out one at a time to savor.
First off were some lovely teas. From my blog title, you already knew I loved tea, right? Here we have a rose-hibiscus flower herbal tea (which smells lovely!) and a strawberry-rhubarb flavored black tea! That’s one of my favorite flavor combinations, so I’m super excited to try it.

 

 

Then, of course, there was the candy “to fill the package,” the note said, though it was the star attraction for my kids.

Here is the true star attraction, though—a beautiful wood-mounted icon printed of Our Lady and the child Christ. I love the way Mary is cradling Jesus in her arms, as he chucks her on the chin. Anyone have any idea what title this icon might be known by?

 

I will likely add this icon to my icon wall eventually, but right now it is sitting in the windowsill directly above and in front of my desk, where my eyes can rest on it throughout the day.

In this day when we can press a few buttons, buy an item, and have it delivered without ever touching it ourselves, there’s something beautiful and human about a care package.

Thank you, Tiphaine!


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