Have you ever worked on a needlepoint or cross-stich project? When we first got married, Scott and I lived in a hotel for three weeks until we could get into an apartment. To keep busy, I bought an embroidery project and worked on it each afternoon. I was pleased with how it looked until I peeked at the back. What a mess — knots and threads going in every direction! This project definitely had a good side and a back (or is it bad?) side. 

Many projects look like they have a good side and a bad side. I’ve sewn dresses, decorated fancy cookies, and stained dressers. Each project is meant to look better on one side. 

I received a canvas with my CHRIST logo on it from all the LWML district presidents while we met in St. Louis in January. I just love it! As I admired it, the district presidents told me to look at the back of the canvas. To my delight, each of these incredible women had signed their name with the district they represented, along with their years of service. 

In the center of the canvas back it says:

President Debbie

You are H.I.S.

Presidents Assembly 2020

I’m not entirely sure which side of this canvas to display. There is no bad side. And, as I think about the projects I’ve done, the side we don’t normally show to the world isn’t always the “bad” side, but it is the side that reveals the handiwork and the function. This beautiful canvas with the colorful CHRIST logo will be displayed proudly, but the heart of this piece is found on the back, in the hearts of my dear sisters in Christ. 

I thank God for all my sisters in Christ and for the opportunity to serve our Lord alongside these special servant leaders!

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,

Debbie