. Get Ready to Serve

She died.  Yes, Sally, my sweet cousin, died recently.  Of course, we should have been ready and yet we were surprised, and in the end I found out I wasn’t very organized to help.  What I mean is that I have never prepared myself to serve (at a moment’s notice) another who might be suffering.  As a matter of fact, even though I have been through the death of my young son, I really don’t think I yet know the best way to give when death has visited.

Organize To Serve

But I have been thinking about it this weekend, and really believe we can organize ourselves to be ready to serve.  This is because the service will always (or almost always) be needed when you already have a packed schedule, other commitments, or some heavy emotional demands.  So if you have things prepared, it will be easier to love.  Here are three ideas to consider:

1)  Simple Gifts.  Have a nice silk flower arrangement, scented candle, or another small, appropriate gift made up, wrapped, and ready to take with you to the home of the bereaved when you first go to visit.  This doesn’t have to be fancy or large, but will remind the family (for a long time to come) that you were ready to love when they needed loving.

2)  Comfort Food.  Have a simple, edible treat frozen and ready to share with the family or guests who might be coming to their home.  This would best be something that can stay out on the counter without failing, spoiling, or needing much attention.  One good woman always kept a tray of cinnamon rolls in her freezer ready to ice and take at a moment’s notice.  Oh, how good they tasted to those hungry but with no energy to cook!

3)  Kind Greeting Cards.  Have a supply of condolence cards available to choose from to accompany any personal note you might make to send your greetings and feelings to the bereaved by mail.  Those who mourn are waiting for your concern, your love, and your written messages.  It buoys them up through the long days after the death and funeral.

Yes, I know that you might be able to do more the next time death comes close, but to be ready with something at a moment’s notice will make it more peaceful for you when life’s other obligations are also knocking.

So good luck, and hug those kids, your spouse, and your parents for me.  It seems someone is always leaving too soon!

Find more helpful ideas in the House of Order Handbook.