Rhythm

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is a time for everything,

And a season for every activity under heaven:

A time to be born and a time to die,

A time to plant and a time to uproot,

A time to kill and a time to heal,

A time to tear down and a time to build,

A time to weep and a time to laugh,

A time to mourn and a time to dance,

A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

A time to embrace and a time to refrain,

A time to search and a time to give up,

A time to keep and a time to throw away

A time to tear and a time to mend,

A time to be silent and a time to speak,

A time to love and a time to hate,

A time for war and a time for peace.

Abide with me, fast falls the evening tide, I hum softly and double crochet my way along the side of my triangular shawl.  The rhythm of the song matches the motions of my hands.  The song soothes me; the shawl grows.

Some stitches call for faster songs.  I Must Tell Jesus works well for chains and single crochets.  Deep River and Amazing Grace accompanies more intricate or elaborate stitches.

Different stitches call for different rhythms.

I crochet much faster than most people, so my rhythm is swifter than theirs.  I don't match my rhythm to anyone around me.  I have my own patterns to follow and my own ability to guide me.  Luckily I have memorized enough hymns, scriptures, and creeds to keep me going as I work through easy, difficult, and challenging stitches.  Before I know it, the project is complete.

There is a rhythm to life as well.  The rhythm flies swiftly through easy situations, steadily through harder patches, and solidly through times of turmoil and despair.  I don't expect anyone to match my rhythm for more than a short time; they have a different pattern to follow.  When one song ends, I begin another.  I sing, pray, and recite my way through life.

God, it’s really hard right now.  I don’t know that I can do this.  Please, sweet Jesus, give me the strength I need to face what lies ahead.  Everything was so easy just yesterday!  I trust that things will be easier in a little while.  Just don’t let me stop loving You.  Don’t let me stop serving You.  It is so tough right now.  But You are my strength.  I know You will see me through.  Thank you.  Amen.