Give It Away

When I started making cards I only made a card when I need one.  As the scrapping bug bit me, I began creating cards and sitting them on a shelf.  I was happy to have a "stash" of cards for just in case I need them.  I do not have a huge stash because I just began this journey of card making but as I have started blog hopping and reading message boards, I have learned that there are people with huge stashes of cards. It made me wonder why?  Who are they saving these cards for? Does it really matter if people rave over the cards we make? Is that why I do this? Not really, I make cards because I don't want my brain to turn to mush because I have not done anything but sit in front of a TV!  Yes, I like it when people enjoy my cards but I don't need to get fulfillment from their praise.  The joy comes from making the card itself and the joy it brings to the person not from the praise they give me over the card. 

There are wildly creative people whose works of art are just sitting on a shelf begging to be enjoyed by someone whose day needs to be brightened but they are just sitting in a room not being shared.  I am not sure why.  Some crafters lament that their work is not appreciated enough by the recipient so they will not send the card.  Others may not think the work is good enough.  Others may just enough creating and not really have a person in mind to send the card to.  To me my cards aren't finished until they are in an envelope signed and ready to go to the person they were created for not sitting on a shelf looking pretty.

  

We can entertain compassion

For a world in need of care

But the road of good intentions

Doesn't lead to anywhere

'Cause love isn't love

'Til you give it away

You gotta give it away

Michael W. Smith