Craft from the Past

Quilting is a lot like life. Random pits of material all pieced together can result in a glorious finished project. And, it can take a really long time to get all those little pieces in their proper places.

Over the past year my daughter and I have spent a considerable amount of time piecing a double wedding ring quilt top. On Saturday, we finished the quilt top and managed to get the quilt on the frame where I will spend the next year (or more) quilting it.

Quilting is actually a craft from my past. With the exception of a few baby quilts for really special babies, the last quilt I made was for my then 5-year-old daughter, Kristi, some 20 plus years ago. Early last year she brought that blanket to me to make the case for a new one. It has been well-loved, having covered her almost every night since she was five. As a result, much of the quilt top is thread bare. Parts of it are just no longer existent. She made her point that it was time for a new one.

When we moved to Austin 18 years ago, I came with a slightly poor attitude about yet another move. Finally, grudgingly consenting to the move, I vowed that all I was going to do when we got settled was quilt and knit. (God chuckled.) I had no intentions of getting to know anybody or getting involved in anything, because if I did we would just move again. (God probably laughed out loud.)

When we had lived here about two months, I developed a pinched nerve in my neck. Sitting down to quilt or knit would cause my arms to go numb. During my prayer time one day I cried out to the Lord and said, "Surely Lord, you can use me for something." And, that was the day when my life as I had known it up to that time totally changed. That was 18 years ago and the partially quilted quilt that was on the frame that day remains unfinished.

It was refreshing to discover that getting back to quilting was a lot like riding a bicycle. There is still a little girl who likes to help and a dog at my feet. But, the little girl is my granddaughter, rather than my daughter. The snoring dog is Samuel, rather than Fritz. The rhythm of guiding the needle through the layers of material came back in a flash. I continue to bleed when a misguided needle pricks my finger.

What has really changed is my attitude. No longer would I presume to tell God how I intend to spend my time. That is an excellent reminder for me during this year of transition and once again I lift up my prayer, "Surely Lord, you can use me for something."

Praying that prayer now with my eyes wide open to what the answers could be remind me that it is time to fasten my seat belt and get ready for the ride!

Many plans are in a man's mind, but it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand. Proverbs 19:21