The Basket Lady

Something’s up or is it down? Hard to say; but Basket Lady’s had a double dose of life’s setbacks and we’re just six weeks into the New Year.

The truth be told though, it’s those setbacks or problems that are our potential teachers.

One of my favorite posters says, “Life is a test. It is only a test. Had this been a real life you would have been instructed where to go and what to do.”

I can certainly appreciate the humor; don’t take life too seriously, that sort of thing. If I really believed that life was just a test, I’d be done for right away because I’d flunk just from test anxiety and the percentages of passing the test(s) are usually arbitrary.

The greatest teacher is life’s experiences and how we face those challenges or problems will determine what we learn about ourselves. If I gauged my happiness based on when everything worked out just right, I wouldn’t be a very happy or realistic human being.

The real test or challenge is to see the struggle that’s within my mind, heart and spirit. To “see” takes courage and willingness to change-to pay attention to our highest calling, deep down. Basket Lady delights in making up baskets to give away because it’s a calling that gives immeasurable joy.

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting with the French’s in their stunning log cabin home. Oil paintings and watercolors adorn the walls; every kind of idea that can be imagined by Bill French comes to life in his log cabin home.

Bill’s exquisite creations require money for the art supplies, patience for the painting and of course, the time.

Still, all in all, he goes toward his calling and joy. Life is so much more than our problems or struggles and when you cut it down to size, in a world of five plus billion people, you are a masterpiece an original work of art.

“By love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Galatians 5:13, 14

The following angels in training served baskets of hope and kindness in their community: Barbara Jean and Albert Smith, Sally Yarnish, Kim Fournier and Scott Fraser, Rumford's Hannaford Pharmacy Nurses at Swift River Health Clinic, Irene Haynes, lady at Rumford Water Dist. office.

Kindness not only counts but it adds up!

We miss you every day, Dot Sanchas! Until then, smile and live in the present.