Patchwork Quilts

Some time ago, I went to a regional quilt show. It was very fascinating. Many quilts were painstakingly hand sewn over one-hundred years ago. I looked closely...I studied..and envied! Some of these were fancy blankets and had colors that were carefully chosen. Tiny precisely cut pieces were placed beside each other in very ornate patterns. Each stitch was perfectly placed in neat,intricate designs.

Other quilts were utilitarian and common - even well worn. They, no doubt, were put together by candlelight, or at best by gas lamp many years ago.

One in particular was extremely old. I imagined some pioneer mom who couldn't sleep at night had probably stitched this quilt, praying for each of her children as she stitched left over pieces of their clothing into her design. She had a purpose for this one - to keep her children warm at night! These bed covers were stitched by tender loving care. Colors that didn't necessarily "go" together; thread that changed colors or didn't match were all carefully pieced. Some fragments appeared to be taken from worn summer and winter clothing. However, when they were all put together, and meticulously stitched, the quilt was beautiful...and well used...most likely deeply cherished by someone; a son, a daughter - a beloved husband.

There were many other quilts, each one unique, each one seeming to tell a story. Each created for a different reason or purpose. Some of these were exquisite works of art for display only, others well worn. Yet, they were all kept here - treasured by someone.

Our families are like those quilts - each member uniquely placed together by the Lord for a special purpose in His design. "And we know that all things"... that He allows in our lives, the blessings, the hurts, the tears, the laughter - "work together"...are stitched together.."for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to his purpose." (italicized words Romans 8:28).

As a picture, a friend gave me, so well puts it:

Families are like quilts;
lives pieced together
stitched with smiles and tears
colored with memories
and bound by love.

Have you thanked God for your family and His design for your family today?

Have a blessed day,
Lori