So I am thanking all of you for the encouragement to finish something started. I never dreamed God would use my stitchery in such a way. And please share this with the others and the whole group if you want. I’ll be back but not just yet. May our Lord God bless you all in that you do.

Blessings,

June Asbury

Roxie blew her nose and wiped her eyes. She picked up a box of tissue and took letter, tissue, and phone out on the deck, where the birds were singing, Sir Charles was snoring in the sun, and Juno greeted her with a chirp. She sat down at the table with umbrella shade, then Juno jumped up on the table and rubbed against her chin, purr already in full force. After another face mop, Roxie blew out a breath and hit MJ’s name.

“You better be sitting down. I am going to read you something.”

“Okay, give me a sec. You sound awfully serious.” Roxie heard the chair squeal when MJ sat down. “Ready.”

“Oh, do you have tissues at hand?”

“No, I’m outside on the patio.”

“I’ll wait.”

When MJ sat back down, Roxie read the letter.

As soon as she could speak, MJ started, cleared her throat, and finally said, “Oh, my word. Roxie, this is beyond belief. All we wanted was to get some of the stuff done and out of the craft room.”

“I know, but how often have we heard that God uses unusual things to get through to us. Even a donkey. Little things, big things, but I am in shock. I mean we were joking about finishing baby blankets when the recipient is now in grade school and so many other things. We made a joke out of it and look what God did with our crazy efforts.” She paused and blew her nose again. “MJ, I want to learn to listen better.”

“Me too. Me too. We have to tell the others, read it to them. And I think we should read this at the next meeting. After all, June said that was okay. Which reminds me, better send her husband a card. Good thing we got addresses and phone numbers. You know, I thought it was the time together with people getting to know each other, but now I see it can be important in many different ways. Just never thought of God using this.”

“I know, me either. I figured we’d have a fine time, feel good about finishing things, you know.” Roxie blew out a breath. “I’m going to call Amalia and Ginny. Talk with you later.”

“Thanks. Maybe it will be easier when you read it through again.”

“Right.”

Ginny broke down and said she’d call back later. And yes, Addy was with her. Amalia, the one who cried the least among them, sniffed and blew right along with Roxie. “MJ said she thought reading this again would be easier but not appreciably. She’s going to have to be the one to read it to the group. I do not want to stand up there and blubber.”