Thursday, June 5, 2008

It’s The Little Things That Count

With handcrafts, little things count. Small projects to keep on hand for unexpected “thank you” gifts. Ensuring that all the “ends” are tucked into our needlework projects when we are finished. Re-working a pattern again and again until it’s just right. Trying to suit the color or the style or the feel of a project to the person we are making it for. Why do we worry about all of this?

It’s not for glory. It’s not for thanks. It’s not for money. Nope. It’s for the look in that person’s eyes when they are pleased with what we give them. We do it to see that we have brought delight to someone. We do it to hear a sigh from a wee one as they are covered with one of our little afghans. Then, and only then, it is worth the effort.

I love hearing how a friend’s nephew still drags his afghan around a year or two after I made it for him. I love hearing someone tell me that my unexpected little gift brightened their day. I love hearing how someone enjoys the thick, soft comfort of the slippers I made. And I love hearing someone ask me, hesitatingly, “Do you think you could make another one for me, so I can give it to someone special?” These bring such warm feelings.

Thank you, Lord, for the patience you gave me to care about the work I do with my hands; guide me always in these works.”

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