It all rests of course with our ties to the one we're thinking of. They will know how sincere we are in our words, and greetings taken from other sources always need to be made personal.
There are a whole heap of places to find words to include in cards, and letters. Sometimes our own words may seem inadequate, but truthfully, words from our heart are usually the most genuine, and certainly the best to offer at times of illness.
Don't be concerned that your ability to put some words together is less than perfect. It is so much more important to get a card with an extra, hand written message, rather than one 'off the shelf and merely 'signed'.
It's easy to put so much emphasis on what to say that we forget that the words are all tied up in the way we offer them. By that I mean, how we actually share these words verbally with our sick friend or family member.
Think about it. In giving a card we usually also re-iterate the thoughts it contains. We often talk about what we wrote, and re-affirm our feelings for their recovery. Not only do they read the words, they hear a similar version spoken. Together they confirm how much thought you have put into your card writing. If the sincerity of the words written and the words spoken don't match up, then something is wrong.
Choosing a verse, or a message from other sources may get us out of writing something ourselves. But is that what's important? Would your sick friend or family member prefer to hear someone else's words, or would they rather hear your words. Because be in no doubt, as they read your words, they will hear them too, imagining you saying them.
It's not that easy to write with true emotion because we are used to reading and hearing 'standard' phrases at times of illness. It's the done thing to send love, best wishes, hopes for a speedy recover. Words that show our emotions are far more powerful. No it's not easy to say:
When I heard you were sick I sat and thought how much you meant to me I'm sending you my love and energy to be with you as you recover I am here for you, as you have always been for me
It takes strength to open your heart to another because it makes us vulnerable. But this is just the time to do it, because a loved one of ours needs to know that they aren't alone. It's not easy but it is, as my Father would have said character forming. It's times of honest card writing when we have the opportunity to show how we care. But few of us it seems are up for it.
Yes, it's easier to look for a verse to do the business for us. And if that is your route match your selection of words or verse with your intent of what you want it say. Consider your relationship to the one you are giving it to.
Do the words sit comfortably with you? Are they words that they would expect to hear from you? Is the message uplifting? Has it been taken from a text that they will appreciate? Does it say the right thing?
Think of them and what would make them feel loved and appreciated after all. It's far less important that you are impressed with the text! Remember, they are likely to read and re-read your card many times so be careful in the words you choose and let them match the message you feel unable to write yourself.
