There are days when an idea slips into my mind and refuses to leave. It follows me everywhere.

“Hey… I want you to hear me.”

I’m making my morning coffee.

“Psst… I have this great idea.”

Off we go.

It rides along with me in the car. It waits patiently while I’m doing something completely different. Just when I’ve forgotten about it, there’s a sparkle in its eyes.

“See those colors over there? They’re the ones we’ve been searching for.”

With a simple nod, I agree.

As I reach for my fountain pen, the ink begins to flow. One thought joins another. A pattern begins to take shape. I take a deep breath. With a gentle nod, it’s time to create.

Then I hear a whisper.

“See those sad little eyes?”

“They need to feel loved.”

“I know we can do this.”

A soft laugh drifts through the wind.

I smile because I know where this is going.

I’ve followed this path before.

Not too long ago, fabric would be spread across the table. I’d search for colors that belonged together. A sketch would slowly appear, and before long, a pattern would begin to take shape. Every little detail mattered. Each one was added with love until something ordinary became something worth giving away.

It was never about the fabric, nor about the pattern that was created. It was always about the smile on someone’s face. About creating something that might touch a heart and brighten a difficult day.

Today, the fabric has changed.

Now I gather words.

One simple word or two, and suddenly it begins to grow. Is it a story? Or perhaps a poem?

The pattern is different, but my heart hasn’t changed.

When I first asked myself, What do I want my next chapter to look like? I thought I was searching for something new to do. Instead, I discovered something that has been a part of me all along.

Creating differently.

Wanting to share opportunities to touch a heart.

Maybe that’s what every idea has been trying to show me.

Not every gift is wrapped in fabric.

Some are wrapped in words.

If something I create encourages another person to reach into their own heart and brighten someone else’s day…

Then I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.