Pen and Ink

 While reading the "Addy" books

from American Girl, we learned about

Quill Pens and Ink.

 Grace had the opportunity to try

one out. It was fun, but it's much

harder to write with than

the pens we use today!

 People in times past would also not

even think about wasting a piece 

of paper. And just think about all of the

things we waste today! Things 

that are really of little value, 

but would have been valued in times past.

Addy wrote carefully, so she would not

waste precious paper that her family

could barely afford. 

I wonder if maybe we take too

much for granted now.

Addy and her mother did not have

a lamp - and were saving for one.

However, they gave their savings to

the freed man's fund to help 

slaves who had just been freed 

to get established. 

They gave up a lamp.

Light!

A very basic NEED. Addy needed

the light to do her homework

and he Mother needed the light

to sew, to support the two

of them. 

Yet - they agreed to do without

so someone else could

have a better life.

What could we do without so 

someone else can have a

better life?

I am all for enjoying the fruits of 

our labor, and often people with

less, labor less - or less hard.

But - we do need to remember those 

who are in situations they 

cannot control.

People who are facing tough times,

and who have real NEEDS. 

May God help us discern who He

would like us to reach out to

when the time is right.