52CP19: Have I Done Any Good?

Happy Mother's Day to you! Whether you're honoring your mother, being honored as a mother, or both - I hope your day is the best ever!

This week's inspiration is a hymn that's been rolling around in my head for weeks now:

Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad,
And made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed, indeed!

Has anyone's burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?

There are chances for work all around just now,
Opportunities right in our way.
Do not let them pass by,
Saying, "Sometime I'll try",
But go and do something today.

'Tis noble of man to work and to give,
Love's labor has merit alone.
Only he who does something is worthy to live,
The world has no use for the drone.

Then wake up, and do something more
Than dream of your mansions above;
Doing good is a pleasure,
A joy beyond measure,
A blessing of duty and love.

~ Will L. Thompson

This hymn represents a message often delivered from the pulpit of the church I grew up in, along with the exhortation to "be anxiously engaged in a good cause". I particularly like that phrase "anxiously engaged" - it sounds so proactive and motivating!

Oftentimes we fail to reach out to others who are hurting or otherwise going through a difficult time because we don't know what to do or say. I can tell you from personal experience - on the giving and the receiving end - that even saying something awkward or a bit "off the mark" is better than silence. It shows that you care and are standing ready to help, if need be.

Silence feels like apathy and/or being shunned - not what we would wish to convey, I'm sure. This is one reason I so appreciate Kristen and Steph and Bev commenting on last week's no-show challenge - I feel less sad and more validated than if no one had said anything!

Sometimes we want to do or say something, but "life" moves in and the time gets longer and we feel like it's too late to say anything. I know that this is particularly true for me.

My project this week is something that may (I'm hoping) help with that a bit. I made a set of note cards but left the sentiment off. I've also stamped and punched several sentiments to add to the card of my choice if/when the need arises that I need to send something off quickly. With the work already done, I'm much more likely to respond in a timely manner...


So far I only have two sentiments ready to go, but I plan to add "I'm sorry", "I'm here for you", and whatever other encouraging sentiments I can drum up. These will at least give you an idea of what I'm doing, right?

I started with some "Love Notes" from Stampin'Up! and added strips of paper from their "Bella's Birds" and "Afternoon Tea" designer papers. The frames are a Sizzix die from the "Lots of Tags" set, and I used a wide oval punch on the sentiments, which are from "Sincere Salutations".

Yesterday I made a couple of cards that would also apply for this challenge, so I'm adding them to Mr. Linky: