The pot-holders that Bonnie made for our family.

The other evening I was preparing a meal for our family and was struck by the memory of a kind Christian woman I knew.  When I reached into a kitchen drawer and pulled out the pot-holders that Bonnie had made for us, memories of a kind and caring woman immediately came back to me.  I know there are hundreds of people who have Bonnie’s pot-holders in their homes and that is a testament to a woman with a kind heart who loved to share and give as she could.

In my adventuress buying and selling items, I often wind up digging through things that were very special to people at one point.  For one reason or another they get separated from these items.  I recently purchased a Bible from the mid-1800s that had an extensive family history in it and a rose pressed into the pages.  When I look through items like these I always think about the impact these things must have had and am curious about how they slipped away.

It seems that all through life, even what we consider to be small actions and words can leave a lasting impression.  The words we speak to our spouse and our children can impact them deeply and even change the entire course of their life for good or bad.  Co-workers, friends, and even acquaintances can carry a lasting memory of something we did or said.  We may never know the full impact of our words and actions.

My Dad told me of an event that apparently cut me deep as a child, but I don’t really recall.  As a kid I used to love drawing and doodling.  One day I came home from school and told my parents that the art teacher had said I wasn’t very good at art.  My Dad said I pretty much stopped doodling from that point forward and he was always disappointed that the teacher would have said something like that.

I am thankful for reminders, like the pot holders and the lessons I have learned and continue to learn.  When I am having a bad day or I’m frustrated it is MOST important to watch my words and actions.  Grand memories for my children, friends, and others don’t involve lavish gifts but simple, heartfelt expressions of love whether they be words, actions, or personal gifts.  I am thankful for Bonnie and her heartfelt gift and her constant reminder of the impact we can have on people.

Speaking of reminders of love that leave a lasting impression…  Here is Dinnertime Devotionals 30 that kicks off a study of Ephesians for your family.