My keyboard has glitter on it. My kitchen table has glitter on it. So much glitter. That can only mean one thing: Dolly is crafting again.

The kickoff event for our women’s ministry is in a few days and, once again, I volunteered to make the centerpieces. Well, they’re really just table numbers, but before I knew it I was agreeing to…bring the bling.

This is not a new occurrence; I should have learned my lesson last year. We went with a “football” theme and I was feeling festive, so I opened the Pandora’s box called Pinterest. There I found glass jars painted brown on the inside and decorated with white felt, giving the illusion of football laces. I stuck a few pom poms inside and…viola! Instant cuteness. Almost. See, painting the inside of the jar is not as easy as YouTube makes it look. It’s thick, slow, and messy. Very messy.

This year we’re going with a “game show” theme. Lots of high energy and fun! So far, the numbers have been printed on card stock and sprayed with glitter (thus the sparkly kitchen). Next, I applied hundreds -really, I counted- of stick-on jewels to the cards. One by one. Every number, front and back, was decorated with gold plastic jewels. As I spent time bending over the cards, I began to think of the women who would be coming that night. At first, I started to pray for each table. I prayed for harmony. For new or renewed friendships. For bonds to be made by sisters in Christ and for those who were at the table who did not know Him as their Savior to seek Him right there! Then I started praying specifically for each woman, a jewel in God’s eyes, to find peace within herself that only a close relationship with her Creator can bring. I prayed for the woman who is doing the very best she can to hang on- may she find rest and encouragement. For the one who goes home to a lonely house- may she find true friendship. And for the one who is discouraged- may she feel loved and valued. One by one, each jewel prayed for and touched.

You see, dear fellow leader, what we do matters. We can look at glass jars and paper table numbers as trivial, or we can see them as an opportunity to connect with the Lord and a time to focus on the very reason we do what we do: to glorify our King and to draw women closer to Him.

As the sun set behind me, I rose from the table and turned on the overhead light. What I saw brought tears to my eyes, for, as the light hit the cards, the jewels and glitter began to shine and sparkle and…dance! And then it hit me: only when we receive the Light of Christ, can we truly shine.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (CSB)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dolly Mink has a heart for women who are hurting. Years of experience in Christian leadership have given her a unique perspective and she is eager to share her observations insights, and words of encouragement all in a way that honors her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Dolly serves on the Women’s Ministry Leadership Team at River Oak Church in Chesapeake, and on the SBCV Women’s Ministry Leadership Team.

To read more, visit her blog, Grateful for the Grace.