Leadership Thought: A Package of Pens Become One of the Greatest Gifts I’ve Ever Received: A Lesson in Thoughtfulness.

Dear Friends,

A small package arrived in the mail. I quickly opened it to discover that it was a package of Bic Velocity pens. To appreciate the gift, you have to understand the back story.

While I was in Florida I celebrated my birthday in the home of a teacher with whom I served while pastoring in Fort Lauderdale. During the course of our conversation, we somehow got sidetracked and found ourselves talking about pens.

Because I have neuropathy in my hands, and it is difficult for me to write legibly, I am always looking for pens that are smooth writing and comfortable to handle. I told them about my favorite pen, the Bic Velocity pen. If any of you have  used it, you know that it is one of the best and least expensive ball point pens you can buy.

My friend’s husband picked up on the conversation and as a way of expressing his appreciation for my ministry, had purchased a package of these pens, wrapped them and mailed them to me as a belated birthday gift.

This package of  non-expensive pens received a few days after my birthday proved to be one of the most memorable and most thoughtful gifts I have ever received. Kindness and thoughtfulness share a lot in common. They are both wonderful gifts that are so easy to give and so memorable to receive.

Mother Teresa writes, "Thoughtfulness is the beginning of great sanctity. If you learn this art of being thoughtful, you will become more and more Christlike, for his heart was meek, and he always thought of others. Our vocation, to be beautiful, must be full of thoughts for others.”

The gift of thoughtfulness doesn’t have to be big or costly. Jesus said, "Whoever, in the name of a disciple gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones, truly, I tell you, that person will certainly not lose His reward” (Matthew 10: 42).

In the Book of Hebrews, we are told that the "Lord is not forgetful to reward our works of righteousness" (Heb.6:10).

The key to thoughtfulness is intentionality. A thoughtful person is always on the hunt to lift someone up, to add value to their life, and to bless and encourage them.

So today why not spend some time thinking about how you could bless another with your thoughtfulness. Perhaps a phone call reminding someone that they are loved, and not forgotten, or delivering an unexpected meal to one you know who may be too tired to cook, or becoming the babysitter, who shows up, so that a husband and wife can have a much-needed night out. 

If you are intentional about being thoughtful, God will reveal the perfect gift to offer.

Just 8 words could make a difference in your life and in the life of someone else: "Forget yourself and think of those around you.”

Yours in faith and friendship,

Tom 

P.S. "Thoughtful people don't just help when they are asked to. They will try their hardest to do something nice for someone who might not be expecting it.” 17 Characteristics of a Thoughtful Person, taken from the internet