Thanksgiving seems to be a time of reflection. We look back at our lives and visualize the events we’ve experienced or…..survived and count our blessings. We even look at those things that were not such a blessing, because that experience is now part of our past, has molded us, and changed us to a wiser and smarter person…..at least in the respect of not repeating these things.
For me, the blessings have come in the shape of friends. Friends who will listen to you and hear your joys and sorrows. Friends to give you that hug and physical affirmation that you still are loved and cared for. Friends who will come to dine with you at the last minute to fill that loneliness that calls at your door. Friends who are wonderful traveling companions to share the beauty of life and excitement of seeing new things and places in the world. Friends to share and re-inspire one in creativity and handcrafts. I am so thankful to God for these people. Wow! It sounds just like a family….and that is what it is….a Christian family.
Since this was originally a knitting blog, I feel ready to resume some discussion of my projects here. Over the past year my friend Dona has inspired me to knit again. We have made multiple pairs of Slipper boots for Samaritans Purse which collects boxes to give to Needy Children for Christmas. These quick slippers have helped me feel I am accomplishing something. It is also reducing my stash, although, I must admit it has not cured my yarn addiction. This weekend was the year Yarn Sale at Michaels Crafts, and I just couldn’t say no. Is there a Yarn Addiction Anonymous meeting I can go to?
The stories of people suffering from the cold after Hurricane Sandy has inspired me to make hats and scarves. I am trying to knit as fast as I can to send these items to World Vision, who is collecting warm clothes for the East Coast. The cold weather has just started and there are many months of cold weather left to survive.
So as my life is in transition (a state of moving on) in life, I still struggle emotionally, but I have some rainbows to celebrate along the way. God gives me some joy and small purpose to keep me going. I have learned to appreciate solitude more. Although with two grandchildren living with me, it is not so easy to have that golden silence. Nevertheless, there are moments I can hear my thoughts and pray for God’s voice to speak to me.
Open my eyes, that I may see
glimpses of truth thou hast for me;
place in my hands the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!
Open my ears, that I may hear
voices of truth thou sendest clear;
and while the wavenotes fall on my ear,
everything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine!
Open my mouth, and let me bear
gladly the warm truth everywhere;
open my heart and let me prepare
love with thy children thus to share.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!
(Hymn by Clara H. Scott)
