Talents

I remember talking to a dear friend who is now in her 70's and she told me of all the things she used to make for her kids and grand kids. She was a bit sad that now because of arthritis and poor eye sight, that she couldn't make those things now for for great grandchildren. I thought about our talents and how some times we waste too much of our lives... not fully using them or improving them . Then by the last half of our lives our bodies are not letting us use them.

I did a post back in October about a man who AFTER he retired, decided he wanted to do something with his extra time so ...he went to classes to learn how to carve and paint. I was privileged to see his work and it was unbelievable! Especially since, that isn't anything that he had ever tried in his life. Yes, I do believe we all have talents that are still  hidden and just waiting for us to look for them. This example of this man...was proof.

I have throughout my life always used my artist talents in many ways. I just think it is just pure torture to have to sit in the car, or while watching a movie and not have something to do in my hands. Throughout the years I have tried to convince Jeff of the same thing but he does not agree! :) What a waste! ( Just kidding ! )

While I was down with my knee surgery, I knew that I had to do something that wouldn't require me to get up and down a lot. So I crocheted. Having two little granddaughters, I am always looking at things to do for them. So I looked up a pattern and started making crocheted flowers for hair bows. Now I have to admit, I do tend to get carried away with things and this was no different. I was having so much fun creating these that I just kept going. I should have stopped and let my hands rest. ( that sound something like an old person would say, doesn't it?) Well, I didn't and after over 100 and some individual flowers, I couldn't use my hands for weeks. I knew I had arthritis in them but I didn't think it was that big of deal. I have lost a lot of sleep from the pain in my hands and I have lost a lot of strength in them too. They now are doing better but I have to admit, it is a bit sobering to realize that I am not getting any younger and something like that can hurt me that bad. It actually made me sad, I love creating things with my hands... that is what I do! So I guess I will have to remember to pace myself and be patient with myself.

I really hope I never lose the ability to create with my hands but as for now, I need to remember also to take care of my body. To focus on what I can do, instead of what I can't any more.  I need to look for and learn new talents too! Life is hard sometimes isn't it?

So here are our hair bows, Amy puts the clip on the back and packages them. Aren't they too cute?  But are they worth losing the ability to  use my hands for weeks.....? Maybe not! Still learning life's lessons aren't I ? :)

I do hope we will all appreciate and use the talents we do have more. What a blessing and gift they can be!

 

"WHEN I STAND BEFORE GOD AT THE END OF MY LIFE. I WOULD HOPE THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE A SINGLE BIT OF TALENT LEFT, AND COULD SAY, "I USED EVERYTHING  YOU GAVE ME." ~ Erma Bombeck

"USE  WHAT TALENTS YOU POSSESS; THE WOODS WOULD BE A VERY SILENT IF NO BIRDS SANG THERE EXCEPT THOSE THAT SANG BEST." ~ Henry Van Dyke