An Inspired Amazon Shopper

Posted on July 30, 2020 | Posted by Mary Stoneback

This past May, Arlayne McKee retired after six years as Ascension’s Office Administrator. We are grateful for her years of service and blessed to have her a part of the community. For many the transition from full-time work to retirement can be a time of immense blessing. The change in schedule and less commitments frees up time that would otherwise be spoken for while working full-time. The transition can also be challenging. What to do with the time?

Artist Arlayne McKee found one answer to this question while shopping on Amazon. “I wasn’t looking for anything in particular,” commented Arlayne, “but then I saw scratch art paper and was delighted.” Feeling what she describes as the Spirit’s nudging, she bought it and shipped it to Ascension’s Children’s Learning Center. “When I saw the paper I immediately thought it would be a fun project for the children to do,” says Arlayne, “so I followed the nudging.” Arlayne bought two types of paper. One pack of scratch paper, when scratched, revealed rainbows and the other pack revealed sparkles.

This past Tuesday, Arlayne arranged an art project for the children with Teresa Adams. “It was fun to hear the delight and surprise of the children when they saw the colors underneath the surface,” reflected Arlayne. Center Director Teresa Adams was grateful Arlayne could share her gifts for art with the children. “It gives the children a chance to express themselves differently and in doing so, they learn or discover something new.” Arlayne is encouraged in her new found time and looks forward to future art projects with the children. She is grateful for the time which is freeing her to serve in new ways. “When the Spirit moves, pay attention to it,” Arlayne remarks, “even when shopping on Amazon!”

Are you interested in volunteering at Ascension’s Children’s Learning Center? Email Teresa, the Center’s Director, at t.adams@ascensioncos.org

By Deacon Mary Stoneback