Ever since I can remember, my mom would pack a small inspirational note in my lunches for school. I think I secretly looked forward to lunch time and reading the note. I remember taking it out of my lunch and holding it under the table being careful that my friends didn’t see, scared I would be teased because of my moms gesture. Although it seemed small at the time, it was her way of reinforcing our family values in a world that seemed to devalue them. Sometimes, she would have a note on our beds accompanied with some kind of treat at the end of the week waiting for us when we got home from school. We called it ‘Friday Surprise’. Although I definitely took this for granted most of the time, as I look back, I appreciate the love and commitment my parents had for raising my siblings and me with strong family values. Below is one of my favorite notes. Have a fabulous week and happy ‘Friday Surprise’!
12 Things to Remember in Life:
- Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
- Don’t believe all you hear.
- Don’t spend all you have or sleep all you want.
- When you say “I’m sorry” look the person in the eye.
- Leave the judgement of others to Jesus.
- Remember that great achievements involve great risk.
- When you lose, don’t lose the life lesson.
- Remember the three R’s: Respect for self, respect for others and responsibilities for your actions.
- When you make a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
- Smile when answering the phone; the caller will hear it in your voice.
- Spend time alone to reflect on what you have.
- Never go to bed with an angry heart, for tomorrow may never happen.
love it lauren….
I absolutely love this!! What a great message and such a cute idea. Happy Friday Lauren! xo
Love this & love you! ????
I love all of these! Thank you Lauren for sharing.
love it lauren and always love your blog. Have fun in florida but don’t forget ben :))
That’s adorable that your mom had a special tradition as simple as a note! I’ll keep that in mind with my daughter!
Sarah | http://www.sugarmaplenotes.com
Lauren I love all of these! I think it’s wonderful to hear these kinds of things in a world where it isn’t heard enough.
Your mom sounds like an amazing woman! I remember the Valentine’s tradition she did too. I think when all my children are old enough to read I will do this tradition with them too. A wonderful way to re-inforce good values that’s fun and receptive. Love hearing you share little glimpses into your home and background. 😉
Dear lauren, I was wondering if u could help me with something. I know that Jesus loves me but I don’t know how to love myself and not feel ashamed about myself . Any advice would be helpful. I know I can trust you because I can see Jesus through your smile????
This is such a sweet post, not only do you have great style but, such a great heart!
xo,
Her. Boutique
http://www.herboutique.com
Love all of these, Lauren!
xo Jordyn
http://www.theeverydaytrend.com
Such a sweet gesture and great way to communicate values. First the tradition with the hearts on Valentine’s day and now these surprises. Your mum and dad are really something extra and great role models. It´s so nice to see how close you all are and the friendliness you all exude.
I needed this today, love it 🙂
I really enjoyed reading this because my mom used to do the same thing! I loved that she did it, but I would secretly read the notes and it would make my day.
I put a note in my son’s lunch everyday until he went to high school and no longer took his lunch. My notes were brain teasers, funny jokes, and sometimes words of wisdom. He and his closest 4 friends couldn’t wait to read my daily notes. The last day of 8th grade I imparted my love and wisdom as this would be the last note. I cried when I wrote it and my son said no one at the table uttered a word after reading it. I am going to borrow the Friday Surprise for the next 12 months since my youngest will be leaving next year for college. It’s breaking my heart!