I was glancing through this week’s issue of People magazine last night and there is a section where they asked celebrities to share the best compliment they ever received. It was quite illuminating. It made me think about compliments I have received and the ones which have meant the most to me. Honestly, the compliments which have truly touched my heart the most are the ones from students who have written or told me I have made a positive impact on their lives through the classes I teach. Like many others, this one from Cate literally brought tears to my eyes:
“Hard times fall on everyone, and they certainly clobbered me for a while, but your classes got me motivated again. You got me to re-engage my brain in a creative effort. You made me think and concentrate and do things when all I’d felt like doing was sitting in a tear-soaked lump and wallowing in self-pity. You’re such a good, sweet, engaging teacher. When you told me I could do it, I believed you. And I’m grateful I did. I’m so incredibly grateful for your presence in my life. I feel I could sit down and laugh or cry with you over a cup of tea like a member of my own family.
Thank you again for being there for me. You helped keep me afloat during a time when I wasn’t sure I could keep bobbing up like a cork. I’ve learned so much from you! Thank you for inviting people like me into your heart with the classes you teach on Craftsy. I wouldn’t have taken a real class locally. The nearest quilt shop was pretty snobby when I asked about classes, so I stayed at home and set up Mom’s machine in the corner of my bedroom and got to work on learning to quilt with your classes. I don’t think I’m anywhere near show quality yet, but everything you’ve taught me has stuck, and I can get my corners pretty darn close to perfect every time.
You are my hero, and I’m so grateful to you. I know there have to be a lot of people like me out there. You’re one fabulous teacher.”
When I read her letter, with the tears flowing, I felt so humbled — so truly grateful — I hardly knew how to respond. If she only knew what those words mean to me.
Before each class I teach — whether in person or when I’m taping a class for CRAFTSY — I say a prayer that I might be a blessing in someone’s life. That’s my simple, heartfelt motivation and goal. I simply want to be a blessing to someone. And if something I say or share or teach can have a positive impact or brighten someone’s day, then I’m oh-so happy. But here is the most incredible thing: by sharing with my students, I am the one who ends up being blessed! The Lord’s mercy and love is just incredible that way, don’t you think?
So today, I challenge you to be a blessing in someone else’s life. Extend a compliment or kind word where it isn’t expected. Say something nice to the postman who brings a package to your door. Tell the grocery check-out clerk you appreciate her efficiency in bagging your groceries. Smile when you tell the groomer your dog has never looked better. Gush a bit over your neighbor’s freshly planted flower bed. I’ll just bet you find that blessings will flow right back to you in unexpected ways!
thank you Kimberly for opening yourself up so freely. I think that is why I so enjoyed taking your classes. You make us feel like Cate said we would feel so comfortable having a cup of coffee with you or sharing fellowship time. Thank you. You are a blessing to us , a gifted teacher and so generous in what you have learned. I feel like I have made a new friend. That is your gift.
Thank you so very much, Martha. Your words truly mean so much to me!!!
Marjie – thank you so, so much! You are such a true and faithful friend. I’m so blessed to know YOU, my dear! And I’m missing having dinner with YOU in Paducah!!! Rain check for next year!
Kimberly I am missing you in Paducah this year! It was just a year ago when we sat together in a Paducah restaurant and you asked a simple question that started a wheel of thought turning that is picking up speed as a publishing company. Thank you for your friendship and your encouragement.
Kimberly, I wrote to you about a year or so ago about my health situation. I had 9 surgeries in 18 months and some days all I could do was knit and quilt. I discovered your Craftsy classes during that time and I truly feel they were a lifesaver for me. You so kindly wrote me back and told me how much my reaching out meant to you. And I know you were sincere! It was such a treat for me. Taking a class from you in person is on my bucket list. Thank you for sharing so freely with all of us. You are a blessing to us as well!
I have just read your post through tears, you are such an amazing woman, I don’t know how you do it. You always seem to be so busy and yet have time for all. I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you as I live in Australia. Your blogs and face book are packed with information and tips for everyone, thank you for all you have shared with us all.
Amen Miss Kimberly. You’re the best. ????
Thank you for sharing that beautiful letter Kimberly. We never know how much we touch someone with just a little kindness.
Thanks also Kimberly for sharing a few hours in your busy day with us yesterday. ..your Fredericksburg friends. A visit to a new quilt shop and sharing a pizza lunch certainly were highlights…sharing the coconut cake, oh my! Feeling so blessed to know you.
I just wanted to say you are truly a blessing to me. I can’t go take quilting classes or retreats because I have MS. I never know how I’m going to feel from day to day or hour to hour. Your Craftsy classes are wonderful and made me feel like I belonged to an actual class. Words cannot express my gratitude.
I, like Cherree, live in Australia, and have only recently discovered Craftsy, and you! I think you’re one of the brightest, happiest, most cheerful presenters who obviously loves what she does and I just LOVE your classes. As a newbie quilter, it’s been a great joy to me to find this (and you!!) after a particularly difficult emotional time. You’ve also helped me find a positive direction, with hope. Hope is an immensely important thing to have – hopelessness is a black hole that’s very hard to climb out of, but you’ve been a wonderful ladder for me to use to get our of that hole.
Kimberly, thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve been able to teach me, and I’m looking forward to now actually putting it into practice. Yes, I’m a lesson voyeur! I watch them from start to finish, then start to finish again with the printed out information, and now that I feel confident enough to attack some fabric, I’ll get something made. With your sweet and encouraging words in my ears and heart, it’s time to get going! Thank you!