Sewing #32

I was clearing and compacting some things in my storage unit last weekend. I saw a book that I have had since I was in early elementary school. It is titled, “Sewing is Fun”. Since seeing it I hunted and retrieved my sewing machine. I do think sewing is fun and I learned to do it at a young age. I made an apron and a dress in 3rd and 4th grades respectively. My childhood included hours at the fabric store pouring over patterns and looking at a myriad of fabrics. I took a sewing class with Lorie Hastings which was really fun. I even got out of home economics classes because the skills they were teaching I had already acquired. My lifelong bestie, Julie, and I have enjoyed lots of sewing together, sewing thousands of stitches over our lifetime.  Our moms sewed too. And all the sewing in my life has been stitched into my memories.

There is something about sewing that is challenging, creative and reminds me of faith. A good sewer learns patience as it takes time to plan and execute until the project is complete. There are many steps to create something beautiful. It is also a lesson in persistence and perseverance. A good sewer knows it is so important to stay focused on the details even while challenges and problems arise; things do not always turn out as planned.  A good sewer learns to be flexible and learns how to adapt without giving up. Sewing is a lesson in hope and optimism. It pushes me to not get discouraged but to look for the best. A good sewer asks for advice and help when needed; I have often asked for this and I have learned the lesson to be grateful for help.

I am not a quilter but sewing often highlights the relationship between repurposing and redeeming. The pieces of fabric represent pieces of life. Some are beautiful and some are not; some are finished and some become UFOs (unfinished objects).  And ultimately God, the master sewer, who is always the one in control, will fix the things I cannot. He will finish all that is unfinished. All my mistakes will be amended as well as forgiven.

Like many things I once enjoyed, I do not sew much anymore. I could give all kinds of excuses but I don’t sew like I used to. Maybe one day. Until then,  I am hemmed in by love, repaired, redeemed and sewn in with the love of God.