Thrifting!
Last weekend, from my chair in my friend’s basement, I could see nine extra-large reusable bags, heavy with freshly washed and ironed, gently used children’s clothes, lovingly and carefully chosen from thrift shops around the city.
My friend, Nancy, always detested shopping. Over the last few years, though, she has found delight shopping for clothes for children living in the far north. Nancy says, “I picture parents’ having to choose between providing either a warm shirt or food for their children. Every time I look at a shirt. I think warm? Cute? Like new? If the answer is yes to those questions, I buy it. I don’t worry about the price. In a good thrift shop, the price will be just two, maybe three dollars.
Some days I find two or three, some times seven or eight. I bring them home, wash them, check them over for stains and holes. If they pass, I iron them, fold them and take them to the church. My church has an outreach ministry that sends them to the far north. When I’ve missed a stain or hole, I just give them back to the thrift shop. I want the shirts and sweaters I send to be loved and worn with pride.”
As I stared at the bags and thought about my friend’s joy at helping others, I wondered, “What do I do to spread God’s love?”
And God said, “You write and publish our books. Nancy is caring for the children’s bodies and souls with the clothes. You are caring for people’s minds and hearts. Yes, it’s the privileged that buy your books – mostly white, affluent seniors, who buy for themselves or their children and grandchildren. These people also need to learn about my love. You are teaching. Your gift is to write and teach.”
I smiled and thought, Thank you God. They are our books. Yours and mine. Without your inspiration, I would write nothing. Yes, it would be so easy to quit, to think I’m too old. But you, God, are always with me, offering yet another thought, encouraging me to write it down.
I will remember to picture the people who buy my books. They will hear God say as they read. “I love you all, every human being on this earth. Please love my precious children.” Yes, underneath every cozy mystery, biblically based short story, children’s book or worship reflection is God’s message. That’s why I write. That’s what makes this writing ministry fun.
With that, I turn to you, my readers. Think about what you do to spread God’s love beyond your family. Think about how you do your work and play, what you do and say. Think about your kind deeds and works, and know that you, too, are building a better, more peaceful world every day. Please write a comment on this blog and let me know what you are doing.
If any of my writing has touched your heart, please share it. Write a comment or send me an email. Pass on the loving that God is giving you each and every day.
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