I know there are some unpleasant people around but to be honest, I am often amazed by the kindness of others.
This Christmas I joined in a couple of swaps - a Santa Sack Swap and Twelve Days of Christmas presents.
You've already met Linda my lovely new bear. She came in my Santa Sack with lots of other goodies including this brilliant bag and these gorgeous gloves.
The twelve days of Christmas presents went through to January 5th. Some of the presents were edible so no chance of them still being around on January 17th! However, I did a quick nip around the house and gathered these together. Anything red is great in my kitchen so the little dish and the owl have found a ready home!
But a few days ago I admired someone's knitting and the knitter e mailed me and offered me some wool. She wouldn't even let me pay the postage! She actually sent me four balls (and a bonus of three facecloths) but as you see, there is a strand running somewhere. The "somewhere" is the other two balls, now knitted up. When it's finished I'll reveal it!
And I've got twelve hats ready to send to The Sailors Society - here's a few of them.
And so today's delight is in the kindness of others and the fact that I too can afford to be generous. I get such pleasure in giving and also in receiving. Thank you to Linda and Marlene and the donor of the wool. And thank you to the Sailors Society who have given me the pleasure of giving.
I think there is a lot of pleasure in giving; it's like sharing little sparkles of joy which get spread around and around.
ReplyDeleteYour hats will be gratefully received. I'm not sure what your connection is to the sailor's society? Obviously it's very important to you. We used to have a seaman's hospital (The Dreadnought) in nearby Greenwich where anyone off a merchant ship, from wherever they came from in the world, were able to get medical treatment. It closed in 1986, but now they now have a unit in St Thomas'' Hospital - obviously cost effective but lacking the maritime link!
I've thought about it - St Thomas is right on the bank of The Thames so probably the unit is in the right place after all.
DeleteI have no personal link to The Sailors Society. I just saw a request for hats a few years ago and realised that it was something I can do. I feel a bit sad that disability limits my ability to do voluntary work but I have found ways to do things.
DeleteI met a rep from the Sailors Society last month and said I had knitted hats for the SS too - he was telling me just how much they are appreciated. I love the Sirdar Crofter wool - I was given some of that as a gift too - I made a cardi which washes and wears beautifully! But it is truly more blessed to give than to receive!blessings xx
DeleteI think it was probably your blog which inspired me to knit for them - thank you!
DeleteThere is a great deal of pleasure to be had in giving. As I am getting older and my material needs are less and quite adequately met, I find that I much prefer the giving than the getting. I am also amazed that many times the reactions to the smallest things bring so much gratification.
ReplyDeleteI've also realised though that the gracious acceptance of a gift gives pleasure to others. I sometimes feel a little sad that when I've given a spontaneous gift the reaction of the other person is gratitude but also a need to "pay me back". A thank-you is also a lovely gift.
DeleteI agree. It seems today that gift giving has such a obligatory feel to it -- that is sad.
DeleteWe are in a lovely position where we are able to give a little. A simple thank you and a smile is the best gift of all for me. Take care.
ReplyDelete