Stitch by Stitch

Luke 8:14-15 

The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.  But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

            I get so excited when I find a new pattern.  The picture is breathtaking, and the completed work conveys an essence of warmth, beauty, and homemade bliss. 

            “I can make that,” I assure myself.

            I buy new yarn especially for this project (because none of the hundreds of skeins in my spare bedroom would be "just right.")

 I fix a pot of tea and settle in my armchair -- with my dog at my feet and my cats on the chair's threadbare arms.  And I begin.

            The first step for any crochet project is universal:  chain X number of stitches.  Got it.

            Then come the secret codes:  DC, DHC, decrease next 3 CH, * SC in next 5, chain 7 * Repeat for 6 rows, Turn.

            I crochet diligently for an hour.  My tea grows cold.  My dog snores; my cats purr.  However, what I hold between my hands looks nothing like the pattern's picture.

            I want it finished now.  I want my crochet hook to turn into a magic wand and whisk the yarn into immediate completion.  I want to wrap this glorious piece of handiwork in rustling tissue paper and send it to a friend.  Now.

            But I have eleven skeins and three pages of instructions left.

            Life is like a crochet pattern.  The Master knows what my life will be in completion and shows me the beauty it can become.  But I have to live stitch by stitch, skein by skein, and meticulously follow the directions given.  I have to trust that the directions are true and accurate.  I have to have faith that what I am working toward will be useful and beautiful -- if not now, then definitely when I am finished with it.

            I have to live stitch by stitch.

Dear Master,

Help us to see beyond the everyday steps to the glory you have provided for us.  And for those times when we are blinded by impatience, help us to just trust you to place our feet where You want them to go.  Help us to live day by day, step by step, and stitch by stitch. Amen.