Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.—1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

In late summer, my pastor invited my friend Mary and me to head Faith Formation at our church. I eagerly embraced the opportunity to create meaningful curricula for study groups. By September, we had assembled books and videos ranging from learning about God’s love through pets to contemporary titles on joy and the book of Ruth, as well as Advent and Lenten programs. 

Though we were not expected to lead each session as well, by February no one else had volunteered. Worse yet, my coleader preferred the role of administrator. “I just don’t know how to ask questions, Gail. And you’re so good at it!” Why me? Sigh. I resigned myself to lead “Contemplative Knitting.” 

Despite my low energy and resentful attitude, I prepped for the hour-long meeting. Only one woman showed up in person; three more appeared online. We opened with a prayer, “. . . wherever two or three are gathered in Your name . . .” After a brief video, the ladies began to share both their fiber arts and their prayer practices. 

Their stories touched me. One woman, a new American, described meeting a homeless man who needed a blanket. She began to crochet. Over the next few weeks, coworkers offered her yarn for her prayerful project. Eventually, she draped her crocheted afghan over the chilled man’s shoulders. Her story made my eyes prickle with tears. Only then did I realize that I “led” this group not to teach, but to learn more love from these grace-filled women.