Scraps

The past couple of days I've felt like sewing.  It just hits.  Those moments or hours or days where I need to throw fabric on the floor, on the table on the counters and just see what suits.  And if the creating bug hits hard, then I start doodling on the chalkboard coffee table and realize I need to paint.  Don't worry, I didn't throw paint on the floor or table or counters.  In fact, the inspiration came late so there hasn't been any painting and by tomorrow I'm sure the the awesome, loner, post modern tree will have lost it's luster.  But the point is not about sewing or painting or any creative endeavor. 

When my hands are busy making things, I feel God's pleasure.  And I don't know why I need to be obedient and create but I know I do.  I guess it's really like all those small things in life that seem so, well, small but really mean so much.  When I'm obedient in the creative parts of my life, it helps me to be obedient in  other areas.  Being obedient in any area of my life strengthens my ability to listen to the Lord, and hear Him, and make the good choice; the choice that becomes a good gift all on it's own.

  And being obedient doesn't mean I get a treat of a reward, but it opens me up to receive the gifts of today.  And one of the gifts of today was Oliver sitting on the floor beside me as I sewed.  He has just begun to get the hang of cutting and has enjoyed the fabric scraps immensely the past 2 days; and he comes beside me and says he wants to make me a blanket.  He cuts out the squares and lays them on the floor and then I sew the scraps together.  And it is the most beautiful thing I've seen.

 Everything has the ability to hone my listening, to direct my eyes to the beautiful work the Lord is doing in the scraps of our lives.  

Part of a patchwork blanket top

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