Several years ago I was in a challenging job in a hostile environment. Has anyone else been in a similar situation, Dear Readers?

One weekend, after a particularly stressful work week, I turned to one of my favorite books from a series given to me by my favorite aunt. I picked up reading where I’d left off weeks before. There at the bottom of a left hand page was this quote:

Ancora imparo!

ATTRIBUTED TO MICHELANGO
(IN HIS 80’S)

The Italian phrase translates as, “Yet, I am learning!” Isn’t that great? It’s been one of my favorite quotes ever since, especially when I think my brain may explode when trying to learn something new.

Michelango’s declaration was exactly what I needed hear to get ready for the Buddy Bag Project Open House held earlier this month. What began as a tea for the women I treasured most in our home, morphed into a Buddy Bag Project event. Initially, we gathered gently-used purses, personal toiletries, and feminine hygience products. Last year we added the Betty Bag Boutique as a fundraiser. Since then, Dear Reader, the impact (and expenses) for Buddy Bag Project, Inc. have grown substantially.

A swag donation from KC Current last fall kickstarted the idea of adding a Silent Auction to the Open House. Hold the phone, Jack! I had attended a couple of silent auctions, and donated a basket once, but NEVER been on the organizing side of one. As with so many things, need can be a great motivator, so I put on my “Ancora Imparo!” hat and dove in.

God had an abundance of lessons He wanted me to learn through the Open House and Silent Auction. When all was said and done, we didn’t raise $2000, but a small group of devoted and even more generous than I imagined partners and friends raised $1400 to purchase items to pack at Gathering to Give in June.

What’s that got to do with “Ancora imparo!”? Just this: we are never too old or young, or anything else for us to learn the lessons the Lord wants to teach us in order to do His divne will.

What’s the Lord been teaching you lately, Dear Reader?

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Buddy Bag Project, Inc. is a 501c3 charitable organization operating in Kansas City, MO, in partnership with City Union Mission.