Saturday was the 10th anniversary of losing my dad. One of the things my dad taught me was how to love all people. My dad was a core driller. If you have never been on a drill rig site, it can be a bit of a tough crowd. My dad started at the bottom and worked his way to the top. By the time he passed away, he was building drills to take all over the world and study amazing things for the National Science Foundation.
I remember being at his funeral and smiling at the variety of people that were there. There were professors that he had helped with their research. There were drilling grunts that he had mentored. Although he was not a religious person, there were several local religious leaders he knew. Many of his life long friends were there as well, because once you were his friend, you were always his friend. Then of course, were the lucky ones that got to call him family. He loved and cared for all people. Well unless you were a snob and then he had little use for that.
My dad could see the good in all people. When someone would say something negative about one person or another, his response was always, “They are just doing the best they can”. What a powerful lesson that was for me! And one we could all learn from.
Most people are just doing the best they can. Most of us are just putting one foot in front of the other and trying to figure out our own “stuff.” And we all have “stuff!” I believe we are put on this earth to learn the “stuff” we need to and not all lessons are the same.
I think life is kinda like a giant block exchange. Some people show up with that piece of fabric that you fall in love with while others bring a piece of fabric that you are shocked was ever sold in a real fabric store! Some are bold and bright. Others are soft and sweet. They are all different but each piece of fabric is just doing their best in their own unique way.
Often times we like to think everyone thinks the same way we do. But guess what, they don’t! I remember my dad telling me about a friend of his. He said the man argued with him about everything. He said at first, it made him kind of irritated. Then one day he realized that was how the man learned. How we process, cope and respond is different for everyone. Sometimes people make you a little irritated with how their minds work. But just remember, you might be the one that’s irritating to someone else.
We can learn from all walks of life! We can love or at least appreciate all people just like my dad and just like our Savior Jesus Christ. Each piece of fabric that comes into our world makes our patchwork more varied and beautiful! Everyone has things they can teach us if we just open our minds and our hearts and recognize their value! Everyone we meet can have a purpose in our life. Some are there to teach us, some are there for us to teach! But ALL have value and worth.
Drop off this sweet little Hersey bar Christmas gift for the friends in your life. Ask those friends to exchange a 5 inch square of fabric that represents them. See what kind of quilt you end up with!
Click Below to download free printable!
Merry Christmas and Happy quilting!
*Baby Jesus was downloaded for free on public domain pictures. https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=101499&picture=baby-jesus-manger-scene
The Grateful Quilter 