I was sitting in Starbucks a week ago and a co-worker came in; we chatted a minute and then he ordered and got ready to leave. Before he left, he brought a small treat to my table and told me it would help to brightened my day. I can only say it sure did! Not the snack, but the very act of kindness. It's made an impression on me that's lasted the whole week. Thanks!
This good deed has burgeoned into a mass of small acts of kindness throughout my week to remind me that I am appreciated; it helps to make the week go faster, smoother, better. Being the recipient of such grace has encouraged me to be the bearer of grace to others; a better-known term is "pay it forward". So I encourage you to provide one "random act of kindness" this week. Let someone with less groceries than you jump ahead in the check-out line; hold the door open for someone; buy someone lunch or coffee; compliment someone on their hair or clothes. Pass along some love - it will come back to you!
Life in General...
I went to the yarn store in my town today. I went in and decided I will have to go back again...and again, and again! It all started with a desire to knit this summer - something I just find difficult to do. I did find a summer shawl pattern that I was drawn to and I'm in the process of knitting it now. I'm also in the process of knitting a small bag to carry to church, just big enough for a notepad and pen, my phone (in the vibrate only mode during service, of course!), and my keys and tissue. Ironically, though I absolutely detest trying to knit large projects, my shawl is going like a house on fire, while my simple little rib-knit bag is plodding along as if I were using lead thread. But these are not really the reasons why I went to the yarn store in the first place. I went because I have my needles and my mother's needles all jumbled together in a hand-sewn draw-string bag. When I want to start a project, I have to dig this bag out of the drawer, or my pattern bag, or the closet and open it up and sort all the needles. I have, several times, attempted to organize them in some sort of order, but I use a set, or try a set for a project, and they end up in that same jumble. After the last few times I thought of starting projects and having to go through this ritual, I decided it was time to do something about it - I would have to spend some money and buy an actual needle organizer. I've seen them in catalogs and other people's knitting bags, but now I've decided to buy one, I cannot find what I need/want. So I went to the local yarn store. I have a reminder set on my calendar to call next week when they come in - so my bag of jumbled knitting needles went home with me...yet another reminder that patience is a virtue, if less than convenient.
However, going in to this shop of colors and textures did give me a sense of community I knew about but didn't really consider a part of until today. They let me sit down and chat, ask questions, and even though I didn't get my needles organized, I did find a size I didn't have and some very attractive yarn and a pattern I can use to knit more baby hats. I have a few and I just haven't bundled them up to donate yet, but once I finish a few more, I'll bag them all up and take them to a children's hospital or church. It reminds me that I want to get on to knitting some warm socks and mittens to donate - I need to perfect knitting these articles anyway. So I've discovered that it isn't nearly as lunatic to show up at this place with bag in hand and sit down and knit as one would think. I've read stories about shops like this, but you always wonder if these shop owners wouldn't rather you wander about their store, pick out some wildly expensive yarns and pattern books, pay your money and then bugger on off until you discover you need more yarn. However, these ladies and gentlemen are genuinely interested in your work and interesting to watch while they work. I watched a young gentleman knitting what looked like a wildly impossible piece today. I'll definitely be back to see more! Even if you don't knit or crochet, it's worth going in sometime just to watch and learn...there is quite a history behind this hobby and behind the patterns and techniques, as well as the craftspeople themselves.
Just a note before I sign off...
As we near Independence Day, let us go often to prayer for our service men and women, our leaders, and our country as a whole. It doesn't matter what religion you follow (sorry if the atheists feel left out) or what political party you side with; just remember that there are so many people that are in positions of responsibility that could use a blessing or two, no matter what you think of them.
Well, that's me for now. I hope everyone has a good week.
txdonna
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