When I count my blessings this week, I’m going to include the #100days100blocks2019 quilt-along. I wrote about the quilt-along back in July when the 100 days began, explaining how I saw the daily project as a sacred, contemplative act.
I’m on the other side of those 100 days now, with all the blocks completed and the top assembled with some sashing. Now it’s time to piece the backing and get to quilting. So, what about the quilt-along created blessings?
The quilt-along reminded me of the beauty (and challenge) of daily disciplines. I’m thankful for that.
The quilt-along gave me space and reason each day to be intentionally open to the Spirit. I’m thankful for that.
By looking at the quilt blocks made by quilters all around the globe, the quilt-along reminded me of the infinite beauty existing in color and design. I’m thankful for that.
The quilt-along offered a daily dose of fabric fun, allowing me to dip into my fabric stash and play around with colors and patterns. I’m thankful for that.
The quilt-along showed me how much can be accomplished in 100 days, amidst work and family obligations. I’m thankful for that.
And, finally, the quilt-along created an opportunity to set a concrete goal and achieve it. I’m thankful for that too!
Advent options
We enter the Advent season this coming Sunday, December 1. Maybe you’d like to use the 24 days of Advent to set a concrete goal, experience the gift of a daily discipline? You have many options.
One year I used a coloring sheet as part of my daily prayer, a form of Advent calendar. Gather magazine offers a coloring book with reflections on Advent words; it’s available for purchase.
Several suggestions are circulating on social media. One idea is committing to reading and reflecting on one chapter of Luke’s Gospel each day during Advent (there are 24 chapters). Another idea is selecting a different food item each day during Advent and collecting up 24 items to give to your local food pantry. Some call this a reverse Advent calendar. Why you can even exercise your creativity through a Poetry Prompt Advent Calendar.
If you create your own Advent discipline, post a note in the comments and tell us what you’ve done. We can all benefit when we share our God-given creativity. It’s one of the many ways in which we support one another in our callings and build up our community.
Linda Post Bushkofsky is executive director of Women of the ELCA.