Stitched

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  Ephesians 2:10 NIV

With great thought and vision, fabrics are selected. My hand glides along the patterns as I imagine the finished creation.  First I stretch the cloth, smoothing the wrinkles, measuring just the right length.  I calculate and cut, snipping away the bits and pieces of unnecessary cloth.  Backing is applied to the fabric to add extra strength, so it will stand up alone.  The heat from the iron seals it in place. 

 Sections are matched and pinned securely.  In batches, I sew pieces together.  My eyes are drawn to the needle as it methodically pierces up and down, up and down, leaving behind a trail of thread.  With careful selection and planning, the pieces fit together like a puzzle making life out of something once flat.  I sew to the edge, up and down, up and down, turn and sew some more.  Back to the iron, I press and pin visualizing the finished design.

 Once again pieces are joined and placed under the light of the sewing machine.  Up and down, up and down thread trailing behind until the final snip.  And it is finished.  With a discerning eye, I ensure every detail.  One more creation is finished.  I stand back to admire its beauty and completeness.

 This, too, was the way the Ultimate Tailor, our Heavenly Father, stitched together the pieces of my soul.  Snipping away the unnecessary pieces, matching me together, and creating life out of something once flat.  He added backing to give me extra strength and carefully stitched to make me whole, leaving behind the trail of His thread.  He made me beautiful.

Father, may I never forget the wonder and beauty of all you created.  On days when I’m feeling down and useless, help me to remember I am your creation. No matter how I feel when I look in the mirror, you made me beautiful.  Amen.