 It is incredible, really, how many wonderful people are doing things to help and bless others. Far more than one might imagine following the news of the day. The more people we meet and interact with, though, the more beautiful things we hear about. These are quite often small things in many ways, but they are powerful. Perhaps the stories and what these people are doing might not seem particularly noteworthy to them, but the impact they are making on those around them is profound—whether they know it or not. The connection for this story started in February, although we had already known her for a while. She had heard about The Encouragement Project, and asked if there might be anything she could do to help. The question back to her was, “what do you enjoy doing?” One of the purposes of The Encouragement Project is to encourage people to use the gifts, abilities and loves that God has given just to them in ways that bring joy and blessing to all involved. “Well, I like to crochet,” was her response. She was told a bit more about Hugs and Kisses, and was asked if she might like to join in this effort. She agreed. So we took her some yarn that had been donated to Hugs and Kisses to be made up into warm things. It barely took her a week to make and send back a bag full of beautiful hats. So we gave her more yarn. And she gave us more hats. Each week or so, we take her another bag of a variety of colorful yarns, and the next week she brings back lovely, creatively made hats by the dozens. At the end of April, a mere three months after she began to help others in this way she enjoyed, she brought us the 100th hat she crocheted. Did I mention that she is in her eighties? And she is still going strong! Can you just imagine how many beautiful children will have warm heads this coming winter because of her incredible generosity…and willingness to take some time to do something she enjoys and share her gifts with others? And she is just one of many who are involved generously hand-making hats and scarves and baby blankets and lap robes with us for those in need of warmth and encouragement. God has given each of us unique talents and abilities to use to bless, help, and encourage others. Are you using yours? Be encouraged to find ways to share what you have—your time, resources, gifts, and ______(fill in the blank)— with those around you. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.
There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of workings, but the same God works all of them in all men. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
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