Wednesday, October 31, 2007

We've Only Just Begun

The little inchie, top center, I made into a sewing charm.

I have a deadline approaching. My small group inchies need to be mailed out. From a larger group of postcard exchangers a smaller group emerged to take on the fun of making inchies and exchanging them. I don't believe any of us had ever made them. Tiny art, big hands. A bit of a problem but you begin to feel the piece and after practice get better at making them. I love it when others give you suggestions because they have been there before. They know the drawbacks and pitfalls and can offer helpful hints.


That is where my middle son is also. Today is the day his career as a police officer begins, officially. Swearing in, graduation - it's just the beginning to a bigger and longer race. The duration will be long, frustrating at times but most of the time filled with gratitude for an opportunity he has been given to serve the public. I know - I watched his father do it well. The oath he took said it all - to protect and to serve.


I'm not always good at serving others. Sometimes I just want to be left alone. But my son thrives on serving others. He is a gentle soul, a happy person with a great heart. Yesterday I had a flat tire and not only did he change the tire; he felt my car needed a good washing. He goes the extra mile. That is what I want to do in my art work. Fannie taught me to look at my art as an extension of myself and to go the extra mile in making the inchies. There is a verse I am reminded of that goes like this: if they want you to walk a mile, go another mile; if he wants your garment give him your cloak also. This is my paraphrase but you get the jest of it. Going the extra mile is where the blessing becomes yours.

3 comments:

Fannie said...

Today is the Day! I'll be thinking of you and your family and celebrate with you. This time I'm tossing the confetti.

Your son expressed his love for you by going the extra mile. In doing so, he revealed his heart. Sweet. You are already going the extra mile in your artwork. I see evidence of this in all you do and say.

What is the "extra mile"? To some it may be a dollar, to others it may be a penny. Each is equal in value because it is one's "best" offering. The blessing is yours.

Jacq said...

I am sure that today must have been wonderful. It is a great thing to be able to watch our children on their life journey and to be able to be a part of it.

morningDove said...

Fannie and Jacq: Thank you both for the wonderful comments. It was quite an emotional moment when my hubby presented our son with his police academy cert.