“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
Do you have any friends or does someone come to mind when you think of a generous person? Of course, all of the women that are a part of the Knit, Pray, Crochet ministry come to my mind when I think of cheerful givers. However this week I want to highlight one of my sisters in Christ, Patti.
Patti has a giving heart all of the time, not only the month of December. She gets joy from making and giving away her handmade items, which aren’t limited to knit/crochet. She also sews and gifts what she makes as well. She is one talented lady. I am blessed to be able to call her, friend. She motivates me to want to do more. She has been knitting/crocheting various items throughout the year using up her yarn scraps. When she finishes them, she puts them in a big Rubbermaid bin. She had hair scrunchies, hats, headbands, ear warmers, scarves, shawls and even a few baby blankets.
It was laid on her heart to bring this bin somewhere public to bless others with what she had made. Last week, she brought them to our weekly gathering. I went around the restaurant asking people to come to our table to pick out any items that were being given away. One group of ladies wanted to pay us for what they took. We told them, no, they are for you. We want to be a blessing to you. We were also able to talk to them about our ministry. They asked if it was okay if they gave us money to buy more yarn. Of course, I wasn’t going to turn that down!
We met two other ladies who were in town visiting from Virginia. We enjoyed talking with them and seeing their excitement picking out some gifts for themselves. I also invited the employees to come “shopping.” One of the women asked Patti, if she minded if she took some for Christmas gifts. She told her, you can take whatever you want. I don’t care what happens with them once they leave here. She responded with a grateful heart letting her know how much this was going to help her.
Even though all of us didn’t make the gifts that were given away, we all left with full hearts. We were able to talk about our ministry as well as share the love of Jesus through our conversations we had with those who came back to our table. All of us together were able to bring the light of Jesus into someone’s day. This is what fills our hearts.
Patti and I had envisioned being a part of a church group such as this over a decade ago. Along the years, we have questioned if we were doing what God wanted us to do. I have no doubt this ministry has been orchestrated by the hands of God. From the people He has brought into it as well as the organizations which receive our donations.
God invites us to partner with Him to reach every corner of the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ. God provides for what He guides. Some days, I have to pinch myself that He can use my knitting as a ministry tool to do this.
What are some non-crafty ways you can be generous to others in your community to share the love of Jesus? I had a lady at the gym whose friend from her church makes homemade lip balm. She gave her several to give away. I was one of the recipients. She didn’t make what she gave away. You don’t need to either. When we give, we are blessed in return. Again, if you aren’t financially able to give that type of gift, something as simple as writing or speaking someone words of affirmation is a way to be a blessing.
Father God.
Forgive me when I miss the chance to be generous; whether it be a physical gift or the gift of my time. I ask for eyes to be open on how to be a blessing to someone this week. Help me to carry Your Light with me wherever I go so that others can see it shining through my heart. I thank You for friendships that encourage me to continue with my ministry. I lift those up to You who are struggling with how You can use them. It is in the mighty name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen.
December Verse
“In him was life, and the life was the light of men.”—John 1:4 (ESV)
If you are knitting or crocheting gifts to give away, please make sure you tweet @KnitPrayShare or share your projects on the Knit, Pray, Share Facebook page or Instagram using the hashtag #KnitPrayShare. Be sure to attach a tag to whatever gift you make.
