The Treasure of Saying Yes

Picture this: My car just breathed its last exhausted breath and I am anguished and confused. First course of action, get home and get calm before I decide whether to pay the cash to get it fixed or give it a good burial. How?

I call my pal Renee and ask her to come get me since I am only a couple blocks from her house, but about 4 miles from home. Sure I could walk it, but in the Florida heat and work clothes I would be miserable and even more distraught. She says, “Yes, of course.”

The treasure of saying “Yes” is incredibly powerful for the one saying it and the one requesting the affirmation. Sometimes we hesitate in saying yes since it will disrupt our schedule or maybe take us out of our comfort zone, but sharing these three letters can make a world of difference for everyone involved (and those on the outskirts as well).

The Education Committee chairperson at our church asked me to be part of the rotation teaching Junior Church on Sundays. My first thought was, “No way. I don’t really do kid things and I wouldn’t know what to teach them.” After a moment of worry, “yes” came out of my mouth.

It was a happy yes even though I would miss the sermon (which is my favorite part of the service) and I would be in an uncomfortable situation (with kids who are too smart for their own good and they can smell fear), but I figured it was an adventure.

Saying yes when you really want to say no isn’t actually saying “yes” at all. The treasure lies in both parties being happy with the outcome and sharing in something that is personal and lasting.

I am given incredible opportunities to say yes in this community. Yes, I will make dinners and deliver them on Tuesdays to shut ins, Yes, I will take my Sunday afternoon to visit folks in the hospital, Yes, I will take the puppies out on the coldest morning of the year so my sweetie can sleep in, Yes, I will choose to help out with a ride, a talk, a listening ear.

I also receive lots of yeses. Yes, I will do the dishes so you can keep reading on this cold winter night. Yes, I will teach you to quilt, applique, crochet, make beef and noodles. Yes, I will take a walk with you and share in some easy conversation. Yes, we are so happy you are here.

I admit selfishly this is wonderful for me. I am not only saying yes to a request, but to giving of myself to others. And on that note, Yes I will have another.

The Treasure of Time Well Spent

Take some time to spend with a friend. It’s easier said than done for many of us with busy schedules pulling us in many directions, but it’s very important.

Make a lunch or dinner date with a friend you haven’t seen in a while and before it’s over get another date on the calendar for in a month or two. Go shopping with a pal and help each other pick out Christmas gifts or better yet each donate a few bucks to spend on a child or family in need and go shopping together to see what you can find. Or invite a friend over to bake Christmas cookies to munch on at the time and to share with others. It doesn’t have to be a big production, just sometime to spend together.

Today, my friend Irene and I went shopping for children’s books at the local book barn. We’re going to donate these tomes as part of a literacy project in our area. While she covered the wee ones, I focused on the teens and tweens with some classics – Jane Austen and Edgar Allan Poe – as well as some science fiction, mystery and a few teen romance. It was a great way to spend time together while also helping someone in need.

Who do you want to spend some time with?

Justice for All

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

Martin Luther King Jr – Letter from the Birmingham Jail

Crafting for a Cause – Dresses for Africa

In a couple weeks, Paul’s sermon will be focused on Acts 9:36-42 in which Peter brings Tabitha (Dorcus) back to life. The sermon for this story is normally focused on Peter and the miracle he performs, but Paul is going to share from Tabitha’s side of the story. She was a woman who made clothes for those in need, namely the widows who on the social and economic scale of the time were the lowest of the low.

Pairing with his sermon, Paul has asked the ladies in our church who sew to share their talents in Tabitha’s, and therefore Jesus’ name by making dresses for those in need.

He found the website Nancy’s Notions which provides a pattern for simple dresses and shorts for boys and girls in need in Africa. When I say simple, I mean simple because even I can do it.

So far, I’ve made three and it is a very rewarding experience, both to spend my time and efforts creating while at the same time doing it for a worthwhile cause. Several ladies have jumped at the chance to share in this giving opportunity and we are hoping to have about 50 dresses to send.

If you want to be a part of this great giving opportunity, let me know and use the pattern linked above. You can send me the dress and we will put it in the package we send.

Happy Sewing!

How do you use your God-given talents to help others?