Thanks to my mother-in-law, 2013 was the year I learned to quilt. She was so patient and helpful despite my lack of creativity, and I found I enjoyed it very much. So many steps were involved to get to the finished product that I rejoiced at my accomplishments, despite the flaws.

As I quilted, God showed me that my life is a tapestry for Him: “The religion of Christ is a firm fabric, composed of innumerable threads, woven together with tact and skill. Only by the wisdom that God gives can we weave this fabric. Trusting to ourselves, we draw into it threads of selfishness, and the pattern is spoiled. There are many kinds of cloth which at first have a fine appearance, but they do not endure test. The colors are not fast. They wash out. Under the heat of summer they fade and are lost. Such a fabric cannot endure rough handling, and is worth very little. So it is with religion. When the warp and woof of religion will not stand the test of trial, the material of which it is composed is worthless…The religion of self, composed of threads that fade and give way under the stress of temptation, must be cast aside, to be replaced by the religion woven by Him in whose life no selfishness found place” (Our Father Cares, p. 113).

Our lives are made of moments of time sewn together. As God “completes in us the good work He has started” (Phil. 1:6), His pattern becomes evident as Jesus shines out of every word, motive and choices of our lives. I praise the Lord for making us “all the work of His hands” (Isa. 64:8).

May 2014 be a year of letting God weave His pattern in you!

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