“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”—Proverbs 16:24

My husband and I recently returned from a much needed 10-day trip. In May 2020, we were supposed to go to Italy. Because of COVID shutdowns, that trip didn’t transpire. When we were going to rebook, things happened with my mom.

Up until this spring, I wasn’t comfortable leaving my mother for that many days. My husband started checking airfare about 4 months ago. He found the seats he wanted and booked the trip. It all happened rather quickly.

While packing, I made sure I had enough yarn for knitting. At the last minute, I felt God prompt me to print and include several of my Knit Pray Share gift tags. The flight to Rome was 9 hours and returning to the states was 11. I ended up sleeping the first leg of the trip so didn’t put a dent in my yarn stash. I also packed a couple of knit headbands to give as gifts during my trip.

At our first hotel in Rome, there was a sweet lady that prepared the breakfast each morning. On our last day, I grabbed one of my headbands and typed in my translator; I made this for you. Thank You for taking such good care of us. I appreciate you. She read what I wrote, used her hands in knitting motion and pointed to me. I told her Si. She gave me a big hug and thanked me. She was so grateful for my kind gesture. It wasn’t much, but it definitely lifted her spirit.

From Rome to our next stop, it was about a 3-hour drive. My ambitions of making a new pattern for Christmas gifts got abandoned when I realized I needed to keep my eyes on the road, or I started to get nauseous.

The only project I can knit without looking are hair scrunchies. Every time we were in the car or on the ferry, I would work on them. I made a total of 6. I was super excited to have a jump start on some Christmas gifts. However, God has other plans for every one of those hair scrunchies I knit.

I ended up giving another headband to the sweet young lady at the front desk at one of our hotels. Unlike the first gift I gave away, she spoke English. I am not sure how well she read it, but there was a tag on it with a scripture on one side and a note that I prayed over it on the other. Again, she was surprised to have a stranger give her a gift to let her know she was appreciated.

At this same hotel, the next day, another young lady working the front desk went out of her way for me. At this time, I had 3 hair scrunchies made. When we were checking out, I let her know that I was thankful for going above and beyond with her service and asked her if she would like one. She said, I think I am going to cry. This is so nice of you.

For the last day of our trip, we stayed at a hotel near the airport. There was a bar area where you got towels for the pool. The young ladies working there were friendly and energetic. I told my husband;  I have 4 hair scrunchies left, the young Italian girls really seem to like them. I am going to go to the room to get them.

When I told them I wanted to give them something I made and to pick which ones they wanted, they got all excited. One of them said, I am going to wear mine now! Another read the tag and said, you prayed over this? I said, Yes, I pray over what I make before I give away. She put her hand on her heart and her facial expression was one of sincere gratitude as well as letting the others know what the tag meant.

Why am I sharing these stories? Because kindness truly is a universal language. From the first gift I gave away to someone who couldn’t speak English to the last one who could not only understand but read it as well, my kind gesture touched their hearts. I will probably never see them again, but what a blessing to be able to spread God’s love in another part of the world.

Another thing I am very intentional about doing when I travel is making notes of the names of those who serve me. This way, when I get home, I can include them by name in my Trip Advisor reviews. I want to make sure they are recognized for their excellent service. Writing a review might take you time to do, but businesses read them. When you write something complimentary about one of their employees by name, the establishments take note.

Our words and actions can bring life to others. We can make someone’s day better with the words we speak or write. If you haven’t ever taken the time to review a business in a positive light, I would encourage you to do that this week. People can be quick to post a bad review, so your positive one could be just what they need to not feel discouraged.

It doesn’t matter what town, state, or country in which you reside (or visit), kindness is contagious. It can truly change the trajectory of a person’s day. As Proverbs 16:24 says, “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. (ESV)

Father God.

Thank You for giving me the courage while traveling to use my words and actions to speak life into others. I know You can use my small gifts to plant Your Word into someone’s heart who needs to hear it. Continue to use me to share the love of Jesus with my hands and heart with those You put in my pathway. I lift those up to You, who are struggling with being bolder in their faith. Give them the confidence to share Your love with the lost and broken. I pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

September Verse

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”—Proverbs 16:24

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.