Teach what you’ve seen and heard to your children and grandchildren.
Deuteronomy 4:9
For nine years I lived about as far away from my grandparents as you could get. They lived in northern USA and my family lived in southern Brazil. One of the highlights of my growing up years was getting their letters. Since I saw them only once during the nine years (traveling wasn’t an option), those letters were an introduction to who they were and how special I was to them. Every once in a while a package would come too and it was a party!
There are so many grandparents who live far away from their grandkids. And they want a way to connect with their grandkids, tell them how special they are, and nurture their faith. This treasure “box” idea is a meaningful keepsake. It was originally designed by a friend for another friend. But I thought, “Why not use it as a way to build family connections!”
If your child has grandparents who live out of town (and even if they don’t), give the grandparents this idea. They’ll appreciate the tangible way to connect with your child. And they’ll see it as an invitation to be more involved in their grandchild’s life.
If you have a grandchild, follow the simple steps below for a treasure package your grandkids will love.
First, collect your supplies…
Everyone likes to get a package in the mail! My son is twenty-one and there’s still something fun about opening up a package from someone you love. So you can do this for a preschooler, teenager, or even a college student.
- A picture of yourself
- Gift box or a colorful bubble envelope (office supply store or the post office)
- Paper & pen/markers
- Small gifts (optional)
- A little creativity
Second, choose an occasion for your package… (choose one option)
- Birthday
- Going through a hard time
- Just because I love you
- Kick-off to summer
Third, choose when they’ll open their letters or gift (choose one option)
- When you’re sick, when you’re frustrated, when you’re sad, when you’re happy
- When it’s sunny, when it’s rainy, when it’s cloudy
- When it’s Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Obviously, the theme you choose will determine how you label the letters as well as the number of letters/gifts you give.
Fourth, decide what you’ll write. (choose a blend of…)
- Short stories from your own childhood
- Verses
- Answers to your prayers
- How they are special
For example…
“His unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth” Psalm 103:11). God loves you that much!
“I know math has been hard this semester, but I want you to know I’m praying for you.”
“One thing I really like about you is that you’re always thinking about other people” or “You know how to help your dad around the house.”
Pray over the treasure box
Though pray isn’t something tangible, prayer is powerful. Not because of the words you say. Because the One you pray to is powerful!
“Bold prayers honor God, and God honors bold prayers,” says author Mark Batterson. Expect great things to happen!
If you come up with another way to personalize your treasure box, please share your idea!
Copyright © Carol Garborg 2018
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