The Lesson of the Afghan
It is 5:30 in the morning. And here I sit in my bedroom praying. Suddenly I feel chilly. So I get up and grab the afghan from the foot of my bed. It is the one my mother crocheted for me years ago. And it is beautiful. It is a herringbone pattern in bright yellow, oranges, and browns. I sit down and drape it over my lap, legs, and slippered feet. Immediately I begin to feel the warmth—as if the afghan were an electric blanket.
(Photo by Sr. Sandy, SND)
But, I remind myself, the warmth I am feeling is not coming from the afghan. It is coming from me. It is my body that is generating the warmth. The afghan is merely “trapping” my own heat and turning it back upon myself, thus preventing that heat from dissipating into the chilly room.
Conserving self-generated heat is a trick human beings have employed since prehistoric times. Humans used this little trick to stay alive in very cold weather or to be more comfortable in chilly places. In my mind’s eye, I can see people in a cave huddled together under animal hides, or a family in a mud hut curled up beneath a blanket woven of pliant grasses, or small children in a log cabin sleeping beneath a goose down quilt. This morning, huddled beneath my mother’s bright afghan, I feel I am one with all of them.
There are several lessons here. Here’s one: Sometimes we don’t appreciate what we have inside ourselves. Sometimes we don’t appreciate our own gifts, capabilities, or powers. When we are facing a difficult situation, for instance, often our first instinct is to reach out to someone else for help. Don’t get me wrong. It can be a good thing to seek help from others. But let us not forget the powers that reside within ourselves. Each of us has been
Sometimes a loved one will reassure us of our inner strength and capabilities. (Pixabay)
given gifts and abilities. Sometimes it is precisely the challenges in life that bring these gifts to the fore. The so-called “hard things” can reveal or develop our inherent powers and capabilities.
Jesus commanded us to love others. That is a difficult challenge to be sure. But Jesus also told us to love God and ourselves. My experience has shown that the more we love and appreciate ourselves, the freer we are to reach out to others in selfless loving. That’s a paradox, I know. But Christianity is filled with paradoxes.
Even our four-legged friends appreciate the self-generating warmth found beneath or inside of an afghan. (Pixabay)
Today we might ask ourselves: what are some of my gifts, abilities, or powers? How have they helped to sustain me in the past? How might these same gifts and powers help to sustain others as well?
Let us pray:
Gracious God, Source of all warmth,
give me a greater awareness of my inherent gifts and powers today.
When I encounter difficulties or hard times,
help me first to turn inward and see what gifts you have already given me
to face the challenges in my daily life.
Please remind me to carve out time to love You, others, and myself. Amen.
Today’s song is by Carrie Newcomer. I want to thank Justin Huyck, the pastoral minister at St. Michael’s in Canton, OH, for introducing her to me. This song is entitled “You Can Do This Hard Thing.” The first time I played this video, tears welled up in my eyes. It was the combination of the words, the music, her mellow voice, the images. The song recalled some of the “hard things” I have already faced in my life and the “hard things” I see coming in the future. It also recalled friends or loved ones who reassured me that I could do “this hard thing.” May this song bring you hope no matter what hard thing you may be facing at this time in your life.
Would you like to comment on this reflection or song? If so, please do so below.
PS: I have tried to response to all your responses, but I am having technical difficulties with my blog… I’ll try again later. Sorry.
Sr. Melannie,
What a perfect phrase for me today “You can do this hard thing.” Today is the first real day of retirement for me. It is weird and wonderful. It was just want I needed to hear.
Thanks for letting the Holy Spirit speak through you once again.
Kathleen
Dear Kathleen,
Yes, retirement can be both “weird and wonderful.” I will keep you in prayer during this major transition… Sr. Melannie
Thank you, Sr. Melannie, for another meaningful reflection. Love the song! Love it for myself and my husband, and thinking of my four adult kids, in their various life situations.
I also appreciated the afghan reference. I’ve made several afghans for myself and others over the years. More recently I’ve gotten into making quilts. The same idea holds true. I make things for others, to show my care for them, but these are practical gifts that they can use to help warm themselves. Lovely.
Kathy
Dear Kathy,
I admire your ability to create afghans and quilts. As you say, what beautiful gifts they are to our loved ones! Thanks for writing! Sr. Melannie
Thank you Sr. Melanie, I so enjoy your weekly newsletter.
You’re welcome, Michelle. It’s good having you as a reader! Sr. Melannie
Thank you, Sr. Melanie, for this lovely reflection and song. It is especially appropriate for me as I seem to have become a worrier lately. I also have a student who, though the course has just started, is worrying about a minor assignment in week 6. I will share with her.
Dear Carolyn,
Yes, worrying can be a real cross. I’m glad this reflection and song gave you encouragement! Sr. Melannie
Thank you for this beautiful meditation! I have made several afghans in this exact patten and even more baby blankets! One of your meditations was in Living Faith yesterday. Made me smile. Today is Respect Life Day. A stark contrast in Washington Friday and Saturday between the positive March message of the pro lifers and the negativism of the pro choice marchers, as described by our Associate Priest at Mass this morning who was with a contingent of 80 teenagers and 600 total marchers from our diocese. Thank you again for your insights and stretching my horizons!
Dear Carol,
Yes, today we celebrate life from conception to natural death. Thank you for the reminder. My post last week focused on the gift of life. Sr. Melannie
Thank you, Sr. Melannie. My wife is a weaver, and she has woven some deliciously warm throws. We have them draped over the arms of chairs all around the house. We keep our house cool, even in the winter, and so Kerry’s handiwork is always in use. I have always thought of the fabric as the warming agent, not the “trapping” agent, but, thanks to your blog, I will now think of blankets, throws, and afghans as hand-made sermons reminding me of my innate gifts!
Dear John,
You’re lucky to be married to such a talented woman! I think I’d feel at home in your house with all those inviting throws all over the place. As usual, thanks again for responding! Sr. Melannie
Sr, Melanie,
I LOVE your newsletters – your gifts with word and song shared with others. The timing of of this message was perfect as I spent the weekend
with siblings, going through our Mom’s house. (She passed in May). Definitely a hard thing; but there was also much laughter and heart warming memories…and afghans.
And now, I enter my week remembering to look inside for the gifts I have been given. Blessings on your week as well.
Dear Amy,
Thank you for your encouraging words about my writing. I appreciate them. Many of us know the experience of closing our parents’ home. I recall the memories, the tears, and the laughter when we closed my parents’ home… You and your siblings are in my thoughts and prayers. Sr. Melannie
Thank you! My mom made many afghans with this pattern. We have them all in the family among me and my children to remember her by. Thanks for sharing and the memories. Jack
Dear Jack,
There’s nothing like a hand-made afghan or other hand-made item to connect us with its “maker.” Family recipes also make me feel close to my mother… I think it’s important to stay connected with our loved ones who have gone before us into eternity. Thank you for writing! Sr. Melannie
Awesome. I really enjoyed your story about the Afghan. Also reminded me of my friend giving my Mom a prayer shawl while she was in home hospice. Great imagery. Always look forward to reading your newsletter and listening to your songs. Thanks so much for your pearls of wisdom. Please know you are in my prayers.
Dear Regina,
When I was ill a few years back, I received two prayer shawls. When I draped them over my shoulders I almost could feel the prayers of the women who made them… Thank you for your kind words about my writing. What a boost they are! …Sr. Melannie
Again Melannie, you have reached out and deeply touched my spirit. Thank you for the reflection, the song and most of all your gifted awareness of the deeper meanings in life events.
My mom once made an afghan identical in colors and herringbone pattern. Sadly I have no idea what happened to it but do remember her wrapping it around me as I sat in her lap. Brought tears when I thought of her tenderness.
Dear Marla,
I remember your mother with great fondness. Obviously she passed on her tenderness and sensitivity to you… Melannie
So insightful as always. I too have afghans and quilts made by loved ones that are always at the ready but I never thought about them in this context. What an inspiring message for any Monday, but I especially appreciate it THIS Monday as I embark on a very difficult project. Thank you!
Dear Karen,
I wish you blessings as you embark upon your “very difficult project.” Sr. Melannie
I really enjoyed the song and the subtle pictures underlying it. The railroad tracks made me think of the many paths I’ve traveled in my 78 years and the figure walking alongside the tracks reminded me that I’ve never journeyed alone. The piano has always been a grounding point in my life so I was particularly aware of the fingers on the piano keys. My mother used to tell me that she could tell whether I was “mad or sad”by the way I played. I will watch this video again. Thank you, Sr. Melannie.
Dear Jean,
Thank you for calling our attention to the beautiful images in this video. I too was mesmerized by the railroad tracks especially… Sr. Melannie
Thank you Siter Melanie!
Great way to start the week.
You’re welcome, Jean, and thank you! Sr. Melannie
What a comforting thought of the power of our own warmth coming from within just as we radiate Jesus’ love and warmth to others. Song so appropriate too as I’m praying for my son’s best friend, Chuck, whose Dad has a day or 2 left on earthly journey. Will share with Chuck that “He can do this hard thing” burying his father and comforting his mother, with the loving warmth of family and friends for support. Thanks Melanie for your loving messages.
Dear Margaret,
Please tell Chuck that my readers and I are praying for his dad, his mother, and him… Sr. Melannie
Thanks so much Sr. Melanie and readers for the loving prayers for young Chuck Kostoupolos. I just watched him and his Mom graciously bury Chuck’s Dad, that hard thing that many of us have done. Mr K was laid to rest in his Greek Orthodox tradition which was quite sacred and holy. God bless us all as we continue our journeys to eternal life!
Beautiful! All of it! Thanks for sharing!
And thank you, Debra, for reading and responding! Sr/ Melannie
I love your afghan piece. I love fabric art. At age 81, I am blessed to live at home even tho disabled. From my bed, I can see and enjoy an afghan I made, one my mother made and a quilt made by my great grandmother.
I am surrounded by love. Thank you for your insight and the beautiful song. Meaningful as I approach the second anniversary next week of my husband’s birth into heaven.
Dear Marie,
I love your words: “I am surrounded by love.” You have such a beautiful and faith-filled attitude toward life. Thank you for writing! Sr. Melannie
Thank for sharing the song today. My friend’s husband died on Nov 11. Then her adult son died on Dec. 26. The song meant a lot to her today.
God bless you.
Dear Loraine,
How nice of you to share this song with her… My prayers are with her too today. Sr. Melannie
Thank you Sr. Melannie for today’s sharing and beautiful song. Five years ago at the age of 78 I was retired from a job I loved for over 20 years. I just wanted to assure Kathleen that there is a definite period of adjustment after retirement but also a wonderful feeling of freedom!
Have a beautiful day,
Joan
Amen to that, Joan! Sr. Melannie
Grace of god…I did it & continue this hard thing…
Yes, Joy, doing “this hard thing” is always dependent on God’s grace… Thank you for responding. Sr. Melannie
My daughter just lost her husband on Dec. 29th and it seems you have been writing just for her the last few weeks.
The song was so moving and just what I know her Patrick would say to her, as do I.
Thank you for somehow knowing just what we need for the week. You are a true blessing.
Dear Sunnie,
My sympathy to you and your daughter on the loss of Patrick. I will pray for all of you… When I write these reflections, I have no idea what my readers might need for the week–but the Holy Spirit certainly does… Thanks for writing, Sunnie… Sr. Melannie
Dear Sr. Melannie,
Every week your stories and the music you choose get better and better! I’m grateful to you and for sharing yourself!
Dear Karen,
Thank you! And I’m grateful to have you as a reader! Sr. Melannie
Dear Sr Melanie, I have been enjoying your thoughts ,,,I wonder if your order has any affiliation with the Sisiters Of Notre Dame , that have their mother house in Kentucky,,,and used to care for children at St Aloysius Orphanage ? Thanks , Barb
Dear Barbara,
Yes, we are the same congregation as the Sisters of Notre Dame whose provincial center is in Covington, KY. Thank you for responding! Sr. Melannie
Reminded me of the prayer shawl group at our parish…they have made, shared and given to many …recently for a liver transplant given to a baby from a one of our parishioners (a stranger located via social media).
Dear Dolores,
Those prayer shawl groups do a beautiful deed with their talents! Sr. Melannie
Dear Sister Melanie,
I love your weekly blog posts. Today’s was heart-warming and encouraging. I have been recovering from a mid-October fall in which I sustained very slow healing injuries… and feeling discouraged that I still do not feel like myself. I have had wonderful care, but I have not given any thought to my own inner resources which have definitely helped me to ‘do many hard things.’ Thank you for reminding me of the inner strength and grace that I have received over the past weeks. Thank you for today’s song which has been an inspiration. Blessings!
Dear Barbara,
I’m sorry to hear about your mid-October fall… and your slow healing… But I’m glad to hear you are receiving wonderful care… and your “inner resources” are helping your through the “many hard things” involved in the healing process. I’m so glad the reflection and the song inspired you! Sr. Melannie
A good reminder: Even though we so often yearn for the warmth of another, or The Other, we cannot forget or dismiss how much our inner warmth will add to the relationship.
Dear Ton,
As usual, thank you for your unique slant on this topic… Melannie
This is a good reflection on our ability, with God, to help ourselves. It is indeed a beautiful song also and I like the image of two railroad tracks which to me show how the sad and the happy have to be lived at the same time.
I liked your “take” on the image of the railroad tracks, Georgia… Often the sad is merely the “other side” of happy. For example, we suffer the pain of loss when a loved one dies because we loved that person so much. Thanks for writing! Sr. Melannie
Another great reflection, Melannie. Thank you. I place it among all of the “wisdom literature” gathered within me and keeps me warm.
Thank you, Pat, for responding! I appreciate your words! Sr. Melannie
Later in the day after reading your reflection, I was babysitting for my 1-year old grandnephew. I came across a small afgan my mother (the baby’s great grandmother) crocheted before she died. She made it as a gift for her grandchild, without knowing almost 20 years ago, whom it might go to. Every stitch was filled with love for a child she would never know on this earth but whose soul I’m sure she met before he was born.
Thank you, too, for introducing me to Carrie Newcomer. I’ve been listening to her music all week.
Dear Mary,
This is a lovely story! I especially liked: “Every stitch filled with love for a child she would never know.” Thank you for sharing your story with us! Sr. Melannie
Thank you, I need to hear this.
You’re welcome, Tom… I needed to write this because I needed to hear it too! Thank you for writing! Sr. Melannie