How do you use your passion for good?

Most of the time, when I’m talking about my favorite hobbies that take place in my craft room, it’s usually with good friends, having a cuppa coffee (or tea) while chatting about all things mom-life.  So when I get the question “Nikki, how’s the craft room?”, my response typically sounds like “it’s my therapy…it’s my me-time…it makes me happy….”

All good things.  We moms need down time, and it’s healthy to have an outlet that allows you to do a little something for yourself, find some joy, rest and maybe just some peace and quiet!  I like to go to the spa, get a mani/pedi, hit one of my favorite stores by MYSELF (so I can actually shop!), grab a coffee, or sneak away to my craft room where my kids can’t find me for an hour or so 🙂  Fill your cup mommas!  So you can pour more into those that matter the most to you.

Now let me appeal to the servants heart.  And the mom heart too.  I have 4 kids, and mom life is hard…like really hard.  I’m physically, mentally, AND emotionally drained by 8pm, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.  Looking back over my list of favorite me-time things, I think of how good it feels when I’m doing those things.  How good it feels to have my back rubbed.  How good it feels to have someone making my nails look pretty.  How good it feels to walk through a favorite store all decked out in holiday decor.  How GOOD it feels to have everyone around me doing something to make me feel all warm and fuzzy… seeing good people, doing what they’re good at, to do good for someone else and make others happy.

That was a lot of good’s…:) But you know what I’m getting at?  We know what it feels like when others are doing good on our behalf.  So we should, as they say, “pay it forward”.

And yes, they may be at work, and doing what they’re supposed to, BUT have you ever met the person who walks up to you and is genuinely happy to help?  Doesn’t matter where they are, they just want to take care of the people walking through the door?  Thank you Jesus, for shining your light through those people!

We all have it, the servants heart.

My husband is in construction.  When news reaches him that someone in need around their home, whether he knows them or not, he offers service to get the job done.  The joy and glory to God that comes from serving others is what it’s all about.  And the impact that the act of service has on his heart is immeasurable.  We believe doing good deeds, acts of kindness, having a helpful spirit, are all not about getting favor in the eyes of man, but loving our neighbors and glorifying God in the process.  And the benefit for you?  Well, think of what you’re good at, and find a way to use that skill to bring happiness to someone else.  Then tell me how you feel? 🙂

Bring joy to others, by doing what you’re passionate about.

I am blessed to be able to make things for other people pretty much 99% of the time.  I make personalized gifts , and actually struggle to keep my own personal projects moving.  But I prefer it that way, because I see the happiness brought to others by making them feel special and loved, because they are one of a kind.

Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

I am blessed to know my sweet friend Sarah, who is an active supporter of an orphanage in Mexico, called Rivers of Mercy Children’s Home.  Her dedication and overflowing love for these children is admirable and inspiring.  Please support this amazing organization if you feel compelled to do so!

So I received a text one day from Sarah, and it said that she was hoping I could help her out with a project she had going for the children at the orphanage.  She had made 47 hooded towels for each of the children, and asked if I could embroider each of their names on the towels…47 towels…I was a little scared.

But what a blessing and an opportunity to use my passion for good! So, she and her sweet kiddos came to my house one night and dropped off 3 big ol’ trash bags and one ginormous box, full to the brims with towels.

I kept it simple, one font across all names, because I knew they were going to be SO happy to just have their name on their own towel, it didn’t matter what font it was.  Here’s a few samples…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It took me almost 2 MONTHS to finish these towels!!  I just kept squeezing in a towel or 2 every other day, trying to get in the craft room and make it happen!  It was hard, because as most hobbies go, I work when I have down time like on the weekends or evenings.  So, though it was a hefty project, I’m forever grateful for it.

I will never forget making these towels.  I prayed over each and every one as I prepped it for the machine, reading the child’s name carefully, and praying they would find love and warmth in being wrapped up and seeing their name on their very own towel.  And my husband encouraging me and supporting me to get in the craft room at every chance just to finish them sooner.  🙂

When it comes to applying a servants heart through our passions, hobbies, skills, how do you do it?

I want to know your story too!  Please leave a comment before you go!  Thanks for visiting My Grace Filled Journal today, friend!

Joyfully,