The leather cuff that started it all

 "Don't give up" is what this cuff symbolizes to me.

I look at this worn piece of leather with rivets haphazardly placed all over it, there's no pattern, it's crooked, and probably looks quite odd to most people. But it is dear to me because it symbolizes so much. Part of it being the start of my Leather Creations business three and half years ago. But the most important part is the purpose of why it was ever created in the first place. 

Mike and I were leading the college aged ministry through our church. We made the cuffs to remind us of the unhealthy things we each chose to remove from our lives. For some it was to quit drinking or smoking. Every week they were able to stick to their commitment we would put a rivet to mark the success. For me personally, I chose to give up sugar and junk food. 

I remember cutting the leather out and setting snaps right on our dinning room table. I had no idea what I was doing and no thoughts of what this little project with these students would turn in to. 

There was one girl who took this very serious with me and each week we would ask each other how the other did with resisting temptation and then we would victoriously set a new rivet. There were weeks when we didn't get to put a new rivet on our cuff, but that gave us motivation to try again the next week. 

It just goes to show how good accountability can be in our lives. And any leadership position I've been in has done just that, held me accountable. While giving up junk food isn't a huge deal (well, it kinda was for me), I was also held accountable to keep following Jesus through some of the hardest seasons in my life. 

Multiple times I wanted to throw up my hands and say "this is just too tough", but I chose to keep pressing on because I didn't want to let them down.  

What was intended as a simple exercise to help the students (and myself) cut the not so healthy out of our lives turned into a fun hobby for me. I'm humbled at how this little business has grown. Most days I don't feel qualified to be creating a sentimental piece for someone or creative enough to make something new. But one thing is certain, everyday I learn a little more, usually by trial and error. I am happy to say I no longer set snaps on my dining room table or dye leather on my kitchen counter. :)

A few weeks ago I pulled this "original" from my stack of cuffs on the dresser. I purposefully left it out to remind me not to give up. The last few months haven't been the best with my "healthy eating". 

The good news is, It's never too late to start again even when we do get a little off track. 

So if you see me wearing it you now know why it doesn't look much like the pieces I make today. It will forever be a special cuff to me because  it reminds me of treasured relationships, growth and to never give up.