Every once in awhile someone touches your life in a really special way.
So special, in fact, that you decide to do a little something to let them know how you feel.
Last winter, I spent a couple of weeks subbing for one English teacher. I was still a little new at subbing, so I was very nervous.
My first period class had quite a number of characters. However, it didn’t take long for one student to stand out among the others. She taught me the “ropes” of how her regular teacher ran the class. What a huge help!
This student was bright and had the personality to match.
We instantly bonded.
In the months since that first meeting, “Francis” and I have run into each other many times. She’s always excited when she sees me. Can I tell you just how good this makes me feel?
Last spring, she ooohhhed and ahhhhhed over the Shetland Shorty I had just finished and was happily wearing that day. She excitedly asked me to make her one. I readily said yes and told her that I would have her pick out the yarn.
Well, I never quite forgot my promise, but I’ll admit that I kind of hoped that she would.
Ugh…so bad, eh?
I don’t know why, but the thought of double yarn overs and k2tog’s just didn’t thrill me.
A few weeks ago, Francis and I ran into each other in the library. The conversation went like this…
“Hi Mrs. AuburnChick! Guess what I did yesterday?”
“Hi Francis. I’m scared to ask, but what did you do?”
“I bought your Christmas present!” she proudly declared.
Oh boy.
“You did not,” I said.
“Yep! I can’t wait to give it to you!” she said, and smiled broadly.
Oh boy, I thought to myself.
We finished our conversation, and off I went.
Enter in the cruise.
Do you remember the pictures of my knitting in front of the pool and ocean? That was the Shetland Shorty I cast on…Francis’ gift from me.
Last night, I stayed up until 1:30am, working feverishly to finish it. This is our last week of school before Christmas vacation, and I knew I wanted to gift it before we left.
Here’s how it turned out (that’s me modeling)…
I used 180g (1.8 skeins) of Southwest Trading Company’s Bamboo (colorway is black)…
I saw Francis today, and we chatted…
“Are you going to be in the library before school tomorrow?” I asked.
“Yes, why?” she asked, and then understanding crossed her face.
“Oh….” she said. “Do you like blue and purple,” she asked, “Cause I saw you wearing a blue jacket one day,” she continued.
“Blue is one of my favorite colors,” I assured her.
“Good, cause I made you something,” she said.
Do you know that my eyes misted over at that last comment. I told her that her making me something would make the gift even more special.
When I came home after school, I eagerly wrapped the shrug. Because of some other things we talked about, I felt prompted to include another item…
This is a Bible I’ve had for a few years. It has commentaries written by Max Lucado.
Francis is a smart girl, and she loves to read. I’m hoping she’ll enjoy Max’s style of writing as much as I do.
I’m also hoping that she will read this Bible. She does not come from a Christian upbringing…the total opposite, in fact. However, she’s at a point in her life where she has a Christian woman (someone besides me) mentoring her on a daily basis.
One thing that struck me from our conversation was how she assured me that this woman, “…is a real Christian. She doesn’t just say what she believes. She lives it,” Francis told me.
Wow.
Powerful.
I’m praying that the words from this Bible literally jump out and grab hold of her heart. Actually, she’s going to have to be the one who takes hold of God’s Word, but still…you know what I’m saying.
To say I’m excited about this gift-giving exchange tomorrow is one HUGE understatement…
I’m really going to miss Francis next year (she’ll be graduating in June). But I know that God is working in her life. I’m so thankful for His prompt, which led me to put together this gift for a very special girl.
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Filed under: Christian | Tagged: bamboo, Christianity, Knitting, shetland shorty, teaching | 1 Comment »
