Sewing in Peace

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  John 14:27

Yesterday I had the opportunity of time.....time for creativity....time to work on a quilt I had started.  I'm in the process of sewing a couple of simple, square styled quilts for my son's bunk bed.  Using recycled denim, leftover fabric, and newly chosen fabric in stripes, plaids, and plains, I'm trying to spruce up, but still coordinate with what's already working in the room.  

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.  Isaiah 55:12

Yesterday was just too beautiful a day to be inside to work on my project, so I decided to act upon an idea that had been on my mind for a while now.  I decided to take my project outdoors.  Barefoot and fancy-free, I happily pinned away under the shade of a tree.  I felt so spoiled and so blessed to be able to do what I desired to do in such a peaceful setting.

As I sat, quietly pinning, I basked in the beauty of our little corner of creation.  Silently, in prayer and praise, I thanked God for the sunny day, the glorious breeze, and the birds' song in the air.  I wondered why the moment felt so rare.....to be so still, so quiet, just listening, just feeling.....no music, no media.....just me and the Lord.....outside together.

Next, I hauled my sewing machine and table out to the patio.....and I began to intersperse my pinning with sewing, row by row.  Every stitch was a delight in the beauty of the outdoors. I felt deep joy in the luxury I was experiencing.  I accepted this time as a gift from the Lord.

My project wasn't deep or meaningful, but practical and useful.  Though simple in design, it was still an avenue for creativity.  It made my heart happy to put together colors and textures in a random and perhaps even quirky way.  Since I had previously sewn together ten rows with seven squares each, my goal for the day was to sew all ten rows together.  My goal gave me momentum to keep on stitchin' until I accomplished my task.

Mission accomplished.....made with memories.

Days like these don't happen every day.  Days like these are gifts from above. We have a part in making each day and moment beautiful.  Sometimes it takes a little effort. Sometimes it takes a lot.  Sometimes the beauty is just in the eye of the beholder.  Sometimes the beauty of a moment is all in our attitude. 

This I'm learning.....in sewing and in life.....Peace has come and He is with us.....everyday and everywhere.....in our rush and in our rest.