My Crazy Wonderful Life

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those that know Him and are called according to His purpose.  Romans 8:28

 

I remember watching my grandmother cut scraps of fabric for one of her many quilts.  She lovingly pieced these scraps together to make beautiful coverlets.  These quilts would keep her family warm in the cold winter nights ahead.  I’m sure some of you can recall sleeping under quilts made with love by mothers and grandmothers.  Didn’t you feel so warm and loved?

I loved all of Grandma’s quilts—the “log cabin” patterns and the simple “nine patch” tops but my favorite ones were called “crazy quilts.”  These quilts had no distinct pattern but were made of the tiniest scraps that were left from her other projects.  These quilts did not have a set pattern or even one type of fabric.  Elegant rich velvets could be side by side with plain cotton, rough corduroy or wool, and even thin lacy fabrics.  Each piece gave its own special feel and look to the finished product.  No two quilts were identical—each had its own personality and unique look.  This did not make one more special than the other but each one was special in the way the colors and textures blended together.   Although each quilt was a “one of a kind” the one thing that was common in each was the amount of love that went into its creation.

My life often reminds me of these “crazy quilts.”  Each experience is pieced together to make a complete life.  Some days, everything is smooth with no problems, much like the cotton fabrics.  Other days are so rich and wonderful that I call them my “velvet days”.  Then again, I have rough days that seem to ebb and flow much like the ribs in a corduroy scrap.  I don’t want to forget the light and airy days that seem to lull me into feelings of being carefree much like the lacy fabrics.

Each experience I have had has shaped me into the person I am today—much like the finished quilt.  But I do know that God is in control and is making something beautiful out of the chaos of my life.  With His beautiful thread of love and mercy He binds my rough edges and signs His work with  His won trademark-- “Created with love by God.”