Scripture:
2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each person should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
One of the things which has helped me become less self-centered and more charitable is to fashion embroidered items and give them away. I love to see how the creations emerge from a blank piece of cloth, giving shape and color to the design. I have sewn aprons, pillowcases, and items to frame. I love to see the delight in the faces of the people who receive the gift.
During my husband’s long illness, friends provided meals, cards, phone calls, their time so I could tend to errands, and, most of all, their love and prayers. They were angels sent by God to sustain me. Caregiving is exhausting, both physically and mentally. The charity of others kept me going during Ken’s illness and after his passing.
One way of showing my love and appreciation for these special people was to embroider aprons for them. I invited a few to lunch one day and surprised them with my creations. They were thrilled and I was doubly blessed knowing I was able to return a portion of what they had given to me. In all, I embroidered more than fifteen aprons. I can’t remember exactly the number, but each one was given with love and gratitude.
Months later, I decided my sewing could help raise money for our church’s camp fund. The Youth had a bake sale scheduled in coming weeks, so I quickly embroidered children’s and adult aprons, and a couple of pillowcase sets. Even modestly priced, the items generated enough money to send one child to camp. I felt good about that and decided to keep going.
Our church has a new ministry, GAP, which stands for God Always Provides. It is a ministry to help the homeless of our community. A retired minister in our congregation meets with potential recipients and determines their greatest need. These are folks who fall between the cracks of other assistance and have nowhere else to turn. A small committee assists with the program which operates on donations. I am now selling my sewn items to benefit this charity. It gives me Joy to help others in this way.
Yes, God loves a cheerful giver and I think I become more cheerful the more I give.
To God be the glory.