Friendship Bag

We have a program called Secret Sisters at our congregation. The women fill out information cards, and then we put the cards together and do a draw. The person whose card we pull is our "Secret Sister" for a pre-determined length of time. We hold this person up in prayer, send encouraging notes, and occasionally a small gift -- all anonymously, until the cycle is over and we reveal ourselves.

For my birthday (which is today), my Secret Sister left a gift bagin the Sanctuary, with a card, and two small gifts. One is a desk ornament (a very cute metal dog) and the other is a "Friendship Bag." It's a bag full of different things, with an explanation on the outside. The items are symbolic representations of different aspects of friendship, using tangible items. Here is the list:

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This Friendship Bag contains a few reminders of friendship.

Lifesavers - to remind you of the many times others may need your help and you need theirs.

Cottom Ball - for the rough roads ahead; seek the cushioned support of your family and friends.

Rubber Band - a reminder to stay flexible.

Sweet and Sour Candy - to help you appreciate the differences in others.

Candy Kiss - to reminder you that we all need hugs and kisses.

Happy Face - smiling not only increases your face value, it is contangious.

Candle - to remind you to share your light with others.

Band Aid - for healing hurt feelings; yours or someone else's.

Recipe Card - to share a favourite receipe with a friend as a symbol of caring.

Eraser - to remind you that every day you can start over with a clean slate.

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I think friendship bags could be made with a variety of different items, personalized for the occasion or recipient. I'm definitely going to hold on to mine.