Putting the Pieces Together

Those that can quilt have an amazing gift. Some quilts are just a variety of fabrics sewn together in squares. Other quilts can get pretty detailed and at times, rival many paintings I have seen. Most find themselves somewhere in between. I am confident enough in my masculinity that I can say that I enjoy helping my wife pick out fabrics. I have thought about making one, but I don’t think I have the patience to do it well. I can however find fabric colors and pattern textures and bring them to my wife to help her narrow down the choices. Most of the quilts I have seen done have been thought out, sometimes before searching for the fabric or sometimes inspired by a great piece of fabric. There is the pattern, the fabric, the washing, the ironing, the cutting, the sewing, the quilting, and then masterpiece, with many other steps in between. Different quilt stores have different styles, so it isn’t always a one stop solution. I can really appreciate all the work put into it. Often the quilting, stitches that hold it all together, can be the most challenging. It can be done by hand or machine, and the stitching, if done right, will add depth and beauty by its patterns or outlines. The point is, most people see the finished product and never consider all the work to put it together. I acknowledge there are many other hobbies that also take time and talent. In our walk with God, we see people we admire greatly and wish we could be more like them. They took many years to be shaped into the person they are. Just as not all quilts end up on a bed, not all Christians have the same function. The quilt could actually represent faithful ministry as there are so many different steps and styles necessary to complete it. On our own, most of us might not seem to have extraordinary gifts and abilities, but like the quilt, when each part is carefully combined, a masterpiece becomes visible. A quilt that is done with one color and sewed together quickly can be functional but lacks the depth and beauty that people long for. It doesn’t matter what part you are, for without you, it will not be as amazing as it could be. We read in Ephesians 4, “From him [Jesus] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Call on the Holy Spirit to lead you. Father, weave us together as one body under the headship of Jesus. Help us to do our part joyfully. Amen