The Gift of 2020

I know I'm going to get some strange looks
when I write this but you know what?
This past year has been a gift.


All we have has been given to us and deep down
we know it's up to us what to make of it.  It's also
up to us what we learn from it.  
Many are so ready to throw this year in the trash and
welcome in 2021 like it's a savior.  But our troubles
are not going to be magically washed away with the
flip of a calendar and a new politician in power.
I'm all about positive-thinking but I'm also positive our
fate does not rest in the hands of others but in God's,
and in our own.  Our fate is our responsibility and the
sooner we own up to it instead of allowing others to
scare us into immobility, the sooner we'll stop being so
afraid to live--and God has gifted us this life to be lived!

What did I accomplish in 2020?
Did I challenge myself?
Did I make a difference somehow?
Did I bring beauty, joy and happiness to others?
Some of the answers are personal but today
I want to share the things I made in 2020 because,
after all, this is a quilting blog, with a few chicken,
garden and foodie pics thrown in for variety.

God gave us all talents and the ways we use
our talent for good varies as much as our quilts.
It is said that a good deed never stops.
The effect of the gift of a quilt can never be
fully known or weighed and I think that's
incredibly rewarding.  (And motivational, but
that's for when I plan for 2021.)

Here is what I've accomplished this past year
with the gifts that God has given me:

January

One gifted to granddaughter


February

80 X 80

78 X 78








Stash-busting scarf for charity.


Two Blue/gray hats, one to grandson and one
to my niece's son after a hospital stay.

March

 
80x80
Christmas gift

April



For family/friends (75); for troops in Afghanistan (25)
and from surgical fabric for a local hospital (350).

May



Kansas Troubles pattern in "America" colors
87x98
Given to son and is now on his bed.

July



"Scattered & Sewn"
88 x 103
A Christmas gift

September


88x104"
Made for our bed



46x54
Given to granddaughter




88x104"
Made for our bed

November



Christmas gift

December

Donated to local shelter

  "September Glow"

84x78
For our home


Pumpkin Patch
Currently being quilted



66x87
Gifted to a friend


Pine Tree Lane
Currently adding binding and label

And that wraps up 2020 for me.
There is a little wood block that I keep on top
of my design wall--maybe you've noticed it in
some of my pictures.  I haven't drawn attention to
it because that kind of defeats its whole purpose.
However my sister-in-law, who is one of those
special people who notices things, saw it in a
pic of a work in progress and it led to a little
text-discussion about the gifts of our talents, etc.
which I won't get into now.  But you see, as a new
empty-nester, I've been really wondering about a
lot of things in our quiet house, mostly about my
purpose and why I'm so incredibly driven to use
this talent gifted to me.  Until that text-convo, I just
couldn't come up with any answer.  Was it right
in front of me this whole time?


Maybe this is all I need to know?

Goodness has no end and therefore I can never know
its reach and may never know its purpose.  I can know
it's priceless and feel rewarded but I really just need
to know that it's for God--to do with as He wills.


These are simple words on a simple piece
of wood but worth so, so much.
May our 2021 and every year--yes,
even 2020--be all for the glory of God.

Happy quilting and may your new year be blessed.

Comments

piecefulwendy said…
What a great post, and I couldn't agree with you more! Enjoyed seeing your year of projects, too! Happy New Year, my sweet friend!
PaintedThread said…
You accomplished a lot this year! 2020 was a year of downs and ups for me, and I've landed on a high note, which is amazing (and I am very grateful for). So it may have been quite a year, but I am still really looking forward to 2021.
There are some beautiful projects completed this year. I got lost down the rabbit hole checking them all out. I love your final sentiment. Do everything for the glory of God!
Debbie said…
Beautiful post to round out your year. A very productive year too....I enjoyed seeing all your projects grow and become things of love and beauty and comfort. And I rejoice with you in discovering why our talent and fabric stash is so important! This is a Bible study that taught me this lesson.

God's Spirit is creative and original.
The spirit filling me, gives me creativity and originality within that I could never possess without Him.
My skill can be infused supernaturally.
So, what would God do if we gave Him our imagination and talent? God's Spirit can give us imaginings and skill needed to carry out what He desires.

I have kept this and shared it many times with others. And now I pass it to you. Happy new year!
Vicki W said…
I agree with you, 2020 was a gift!
annemarie said…
What a wonderful post, Cheree. We all have learned so much from this past year - God is good and he will take care of us. Your accomplishments this past year are amazing. How did your shoulder procedure go? Hope all is well. Happy New Year to you and your family.
Needled Mom said…
You’ve really had a wonderfully productive year. I’m looking forward to seeing what becomes of 2021. Happy New Year.
You got lots done last year. I like that sign.
Home Sewn By Us said…
Gosh. What a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing this with us. Those are truly words to live by - both Do everything for the glory of God, and goodness has no end. Thanks also for sharing your projects for 2020. I just have to check out that Snow Day books - I might need to be making one myself. {{Hugs}} ~smile~ Roseanne