The Tapestry Called Life
This week, I have taught the boys how to weave. The younger two have eaten it up and have been working on projects every day. Our oldest I believe finally got curious enough to try it. As we explored the different looms and combined the rainbow of colorful yarn options into different patterns, I found myself growing thoughtful. You see, a basic weave is just a repetition of an up and down pattern.
Up and down, up and down, turn, tighten, repeat.
However, sometimes you hit a snag, or tie a knot accidently. Sometimes you must take some of your hard work apart to fix it.
The way I figure it, life is a bit like weaving. Up and down, up and down, life tends to go day in and day out, but every now and then, something happens with the flow of your life. It could be something big like sickness, death, or a move. It might just be those times when your day doesn’t go as you expected it to. When these things happen, you might need to “un-weave” some of your life and fix something. Sometimes, you need to take a few rows out or even start fresh.
My youngest got frustrated a few times when working on his project. He would sometimes say negative things “I just can’t do it” or “You are really good at this, way better than me”. I would then help him with whatever had happened and encourage him to keep going. Boy you should have seen that smile when he finished!
Naturally most people have plans in one way or another for their lives and when things go in an unexpected place, it can really shake them. Sometimes they might want to throw their hands up and give up. The thing is, if you just take a minute to see what is “knotting” things up, you can do what needs to be done to fix it (or have someone help you). It might just be that this project called life makes an entirely different tapestry than what it started out as.
I started this blog with the intention of showing that every single one of us has the power to choose to live an epic life. You have the power in how you will react when life gets all tied up and messy. While my husband has been away, there have been some good days, and a few “snags”. With some prayer, wise counsel, and the amazing blessing of video chat, I am pleased with how this tapestry is turning out.
Just remember, life is a series of up’s and down’s. The snags, the knots, and the mess, don’t ruin the tapestry… they make it real. Those “imperfections” tell a story that belongs to you, and it can be beautiful, if you choose to see it that way.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8