Seeing the Grand Design
The other day I finished a cross-stitch project for my youngest granddaughter that I’d been working on for several months. As I worked up close on this monochrome piece (a kit!), I often wondered how good it would actually look when finished, especially since there is no outlining to define the picture. I would wonder why this dark stitch was put next to that light one, or how those light sections could even be part of the picture. All I could do was trust the designer and follow the pattern since I have no artistic sense myself.
Only when the whole thing was done and I could step back and look at it from a distance could I see the beauty and wisdom of the pattern and admire the result. Yes, I had a part in it, but that was only in following the instructions which I lovingly stitched night after night in anticipation of my granddaughter’s (and her mom’s) delight. The real credit goes to the designer, and I’m grateful to have had a part in it.
Life is like that, isn’t it? An unknown poet says it much better than I could:
My Life is but a weaving
between my Lord and me;
I cannot choose the colors
He worketh steadily.Oft times He weaveth sorrow
And I, in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper,
And I the under side.Not til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly,
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why.The dark threads are as needful
In the Weaver’s skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.He knows, He loves, He cares,
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives His very best to those
Who leave the choice with Him.