When I graduated from High School, my grandmother presented me with a beautiful patchwork quilt that she had lovingly made with her own hands. Not only were many hours of hand stitching represented in the intricate quilting pattern, but pieces of cloth that were familiar parts of my family history were used: scraps from one of my grandmother’s house dresses, my mother’s aprons, my father’s shirt, a dress I had worn in kindergarten, etc. Out of seemingly random scraps, memories were brought back to the surface, joy was experienced, and knowing smiles were shared.
God is at work in our world today through the loving hands of His children, carefully stitching together an intricate pattern of His love across the hearts of all tribes, nations, and peoples. We may not even know that we have had a hand in making this beautiful patchwork quilt, called the Kingdom of God. It has been said that God has written eternity in our hearts. We somehow intuitively know that we are made for more than the daily-ness of our life. Even though it often feels like we only have “scraps” to offer our Lord -- when we "sow" love and demonstrate the love of our Heavenly Father and His beloved Son, we share in the labor of love which results in His wonderful patchwork quilt.
One day, we will finally see the beauty created from our faithful love, caring, demonstrations of peace, mercy and justice that we passionately chose to practice here in this place and time. Then we will have memories brought back to the surface, joy will be experienced and knowing smiles will be shared. Who can you reach out to and share the love of Christ with during this Advent season? Then you too will one day hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the beautiful patchwork quilt Your people make, and for those who bring the Good News so peace can be proclaimed in our torn and hurting world. Amen.
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