Made With Love By…

A corner of the closet is home to a box where special cards, crayon pictures, and glued together popsicle sticks are safely tucked away.

Treasures that someday will be found and the finder will wonder ‘what on earth’ – precious to the maker at the time and forever to the receiver.

I have a friend who sews – on each item she includes a little tag “Specially handmade by Marlene”. With care and dedication to her craft each stitch is made and a beautiful work is the outcome.

Another friend sent me a picture she and her granddaughter made together – the theme was to disguise your turkey so he won’t get gobbled up at Thanksgiving. A Turkerina (ballet turkey) was the outcome of creativity and a bond of love.

A yearning rests in each of us – the desire to give to another, out of love,  something that is unique to us. Our very fabric is pieced together to be creative – made in the image of the Creator. “For You created my inmost being, You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:13-14 NIV)

Variety in creation is nothing short of astounding in: trees, fish, birds, animals, flowers, and on goes the list. To delight us and teach us and inspire us.

As we head into the busyness of the next several weeks let’s not neglect moments to notice – moments that make the memories. Slowing enough to relish in finger-paint masterpieces, to be touched by carefully selected cards, to find comfort in the still small voice of the Master Artist.

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)

His workmanship, so carefully crafted that we are chosen to bear His image to a world that hurts, is lonely, confused, harassed. Tis the season of lights and those who are Light bearers wear the imprint ‘Made with love by… the Father’. Hear the sounds, smell the fragrances, taste the goodness, see souls in need, and feel the grace of One who wraps us in hope forever – and carry His eternal hope for all to see.