Naturally enough, on this St. Valentine’s Day I’ve been thinking about family and friends.  There are many people to which I’m grateful.  I’m thankful for the things they’ve taught me or influenced me to be brave enough to attempt on my own. 

It’s because of their example that I was inspired to try my hand at various creative enterprises.  For example, my parents have a variety of interests and hobbies.  I spent my childhood watching them when they spent time on their activities, and asking questions.  (Too many questions, I’m sure!)  Family members frequently gave crafting kits to me for Christmas or my birthday. 

Over the years I’ve learned to draw, watercolour paint, cook, bake, make bread, put up preserves, hand-sew, knit, darn, crochet, embroider, needlepoint, take photographs, machine-sew, make clothes, cross-stitch, and piece quilt blocks.  I’ve also tried glass etching, tole-painting, rubber-stamp cards, machine-quilting, paper-foundation piecing, and soap-making.  I've  made a mosaic tile, and taught myself to do calligraphy.  When I was younger I loved to write poetry, prose, and creative stories due to the example of family members and teachers.  Without others’ encouragement, I mayn’t have tried!

Initially when I began working, I didn’t spend time doing handicrafts.  Before I married, I began to take up former and new hobbies.  Then, we had a child.  Somehow I couldn’t find (or didn’t make) the time to do hobbies.  Yet, as mothers and wives, this is when our mental health most depends on our spending time in personal interests!  

It is important that we continue to develop skills and abilities in those things that we find appealing.  Yes, it’s true: our children will be inspired by our example to try something new.  However, if our desire is to grow and mature as the women God wants us and knows us to be, then we need to spend time every day learning - and practising what we’ve learned!

Be brave and try something new this week!  Have you always wanted to learn to do calligraphy, paper quilling, play the alto recorder, or --?  Borrow books from the public library, do the research and find the supplies you need.  If it's something you've always wanted to do, don't worry about how long it will take to learn. 

As a friend once told me many years ago: "How old are you going to be in # years, if you do this (activity)? ... How old will you be in # years, if you don't try it?"  No excuses now, just go for it!