. . .& start again.

In this "interesting" season, you see so many different views, right?

It's ok to be sad.

It's ok to not be super productive.

It's ok to enjoy the slowing down.

It's ok to get all the things done.

It's ok to have bad days and good days.

Most importantly, it's ok to experience all of these.

And I agree with these and have experienced them all at some point.

One thing that hit home for me and what I've worked on the last couple of weeks is how am I still able to serve at this time?

Our pastor has been doing a series on the book of Acts - when the "church" was started. The disciples were given the Great Commission from Jesus {Matthew 28:16-20} and while they most likely didn't know what the meant in its entirety they still got started, right?

But before they got started they were given a gift. Acts 1:8 says,

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem. . .and to the end of the earth.

The Holy Spirit has been the hardest thing for me to explain to my extremely curious {nearly 7} son. How do you describe to a slightly anxious child that it's just something you "feel in your gut?" Especially when his "gut" has been the source or signal of anxiety.

I'm still learning this and as I've mentioned before I can only explain to him how these things work for me. And one thing that always stirs in me when I think of serving, is how can I show kindness? How can I bring a smile to someone's face? These are the questions I mostly ask myself when it comes to serving, especially in a time when a simple hug can not be exchanged.

So how can I serve? By starting again.

I've started several "things" again that I have not done within the last year or five. I've always had a heart for giving and I do enjoy being creative and as every life coach/inspirational author asks, "What are your strengths? Start there."

But I also wanted to follow the "Keep It Simple, Sweets" {wink} method, because. . .three boys aren't the greatest co-workers.

Crocheting is something I picked up a few years ago or maybe like nearly 7 because I was a soon to be mom and wanted to make stuff for my sweet baby. I honestly can't remember if I started before then, my brain doesn't always go back much farther than kids.

But what to make? Something simple, but usable. I didn't want to make more scarves, I mean summers in Montana aren't always scorching, but we don't normally need scarves. Which negated hats, too. What is something I use mostly every day?

A washcloth. Do you have any idea how many different crochet washcloth patterns there are?! Good grief - once again I needed simple and wouldn't retire my hands in two days.

So I started making washcloths. And then randomly gave them to a few friends because I needed feedback and they needed smiles, of course! And then on a whim, I thought maybe I could find a fun face scrub to go along with it! And turns out we have a lot of coffee and honey on hand, so. . .

I love it when I can find the perfect gifting supplies to pull the whole idea together - I mean these little tea cup jars could not be any more perfect for the super simple Coffee & Honey face scrub!

"Love Your Face" has been born, maybe just for a season, but why not during this season when we all need to remember that love is really what serving is. To remember that love only multiplies when it's shared. And multiplying love was the biggest lesson those new church leaders had to learn 2000 years ago and continues to be a lesson I need to learn - to start again - every day.

Starting again, to me, is often when I remember that the love that holds me is something that will never go away because it reminds me that that love never dies - while I may need to start again, that love never gives up, no matter what.

Acts 2:45 says, "They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had needs." And verses 46 and 47 {paraphrase} ". . .They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people."

This is a reminder I needed that it is when we GIVE something - whether time or money or a combination of both - whatever is important to us, that is when the Love shines through, which is what I needed to remember during those moments of wallowing. I know I needed to "feel" the sadness and frustrations of these circumstances and work my way through it; I'm so glad I did because starting again with these creative outlets has refreshed my soul just as much as I hope these gifts can refresh others'.

What a gift we've been given in the Holy Spirit and while I may never be able to explain it {I mean I can't talk in several different languages or understand them as when those first few could when they received it} but I know it's there. Like when I get that feeling that I've forgotten something and instead of ignoring it I go through my list before I'm too far away to turn the car around. Or when I get that icky feeling after I take my frustrations out on my kids and take the time to apologize to them. Or when a specific names keeps popping up in my thoughts and I send the text just to say Hi and find out that they needed that reminder that they are loved.

I told my son that the biggest thing is to pay attention to those around you and then pay attention to how your heart and mind react to those you see; we have been given a Gift