ex(PR)essed

Remember the post about making valentines for the 18,000 people who receive Meals on Wheels in New York City? Well, I was true to my word and hosted a valentine-making party at my house to support that cause.

On Monday night nine ladies and their kiddos came to spend a few hours crafting and jamming to the Motown mix I selected for the night’s activities. (Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, and The Temptations; how can you go wrong?!) By the evening’s end, 44 lovely valentines had been made!

What a fun night! I mostly hung out with the kids once my own was tucked in so that other moms could enjoy crafting. Before you feel bad for me, let me assure you that those kids were especially cute and very well behaved.

On Tuesday night, I made four of my own valentines to add to the collection. Tomorrow I will be lovingly packing these up and preparing to mail them so that our senior friends in NYC can enjoy them on Valentine’s Day.

Last year I took a spiritual gifts inventory. I thought it came back with disappointing results. I had about six gifts all within one point of each other. It didn’t tell me anything about myself or my gifts, I said.

I was wrong.

It told me that my gifts–in a tie for first place–were showing mercy and service. My pastor disputed my skepiticism. And, I started thinking about my years in the church and as a believer and considering the projects and moments in which I felt closest and most useful to God, and it was in moments of service! Yay! My inventory was correct.

Ever since, I’ve been thinking a lot about the spiritual gift of service and what it really looks like for me and my walk with the Lord. I have some ideas, and I’m trying out a new role or two at church this year in hopes of further refining how I can be most effective for the Lord, for his church, and for the lost. I’ll keep you posted.

Anyhow, I was delighted when my sweet friend Laurie called my attention to the Etsy project, Share Your Love. Etsy, a site that sells only handmade goodies, is seeking people to make valentines for the more than 18,000 elderly residents of New York City who receive Meals on Wheels. This project is SO up my alley! What a great way to combine my word of the year — creative — with my spiritual gift — service!

So, friends, stay tuned! I’m hoping to host a card-making party at my house (and perhaps at work too). I’d like to bundle a whole bunch of lovingly made, cheery little Valentines to send to the sweet grandmas and grandpas of NYC. Won’t you join me?