Operation Get Greety – A Loving Family Reunion Idea

“OPERATION GET GREETY”

A Really Loving and Caring Family Reunion Idea

Let’s talk Greeting Cards!  Why certainly you already know what a greeting card is!  BUT….let me give you just a brief history lesson about greeting cards and then I’m going to share with you a creative way to use them at your next family reunion.

Typically a greeting card is a piece of folded paper with text or images on the front and a message inside which conveys a sentiment (love, care, concern, friendship, humor, etc).  Greeting cards have been around for hundreds of years and are best known for achieving and spreading cheer and good wishes.  This custom is thought to have started with the Chinese before the 15th century. By the early 1600’s, handmade cards were being given throughout Europe. The reason for sending greeting cards has not changed over time. They are sent to those who we love and those who we want to send messages of good greetings and cheer.

The choices of greeting cards are so vast nowadays.  You can find one for anyone and for any occasion.  You can send glad tidings at Christmas, birthday wishes for birthdays, congratulations for graduation, retirement or a baby, get well wishes and many more.  However, I’d like to share with you a loving and caring way to incorporate greeting cards into your family reunion.

As you know, life is filled with peaks and valleys for us all.  During difficult or challenging  times, sometimes all we need is a word of encouragement and spiritual uplift.  Also, during peak times, there’s nothing like receiving encouragement and support for accomplishments.  Have no fear, “OPERATION GET GREETY” is here!   This family reunion idea involves greeting cards for family members who were unable to attend the family reunion for reasons such as health, financial limits, caring for a loved one, childbirth, scheduling conflicts, celebratory or honorary reasons or otherwise….not those who just opted not to come.  You know your family and you know Who’s Who and that’s all I’m going to say about that.

During the actual family reunion have all family members in attendance denote their sentiments and sign greetings cards for those family members who could not attend the reunion for valid and legitimate reason.  It’s a way of ministering, offering encouragement and inspiration and extending love.

Image: istock

You can get greeting cards appropriate for each situation or a one size fits all type of card.  If you prefer, handmade cards are making a comeback.  Handwritten cards are priceless because hardly anyone writes these days. Everything is electronic or sent through cell phones.  If you’d like, you can designate someone in the family to make them.  Sometimes it can still be hard to find the perfect card even with all of the choices available at the card store or drug store.  A personalized card would take it up a notch

There is nothing like knowing that someone is thinking of you and cares enough to send you a card to let you know that they are wishing you the best. And there’s nothing like feeling the love from your very own family.  It is good for mental state and for your ego to be loved and in someone’s thoughts; especially your own family.  In addition, it’s great to receive something else in the mail other than a bill.

Another idea is to remotely include them by using Skype, FaceTime on a smartphone or have a conference call during one of the family reunion events.  Just imagine the instant smile they will have when they open the envelope addressed to them and see and read all the sentiments from their family.  Trust me, these expressions will be heartfelt.  It means not just anybody but their family took time to write down what they felt in their own handwriting and took the time to make it more personal.  It also shows class!  It’s a like a ministry and allows us to show our family that we care even when we are not present physically.

It has been proven that “laughter is the best medicine” and a humorous greeting card could also be good medicine. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15).   A word of encouragement goes a long way and depicts family love and unity.  Brighten up your loved ones day with a heartfelt greeting cards.  The following analogy says it best:  Greeting cards are like a band-aid: they help you feel a little better and heal a little faster.

Apply this special kind of band-aid and cover your family with a little TLC (Tender Loving Care).  You’ll uplift and encourage them and help them feel a little better.  “OPERATION GET GREETY” !

I hope you got value and inspiration from this post. Your feedback is welcome. Please leave it in the comments below.