Think about hand made quilts.
When you look at them, you see a distinctive pattern that someone carefully pieced together using fat quarter squares, circles, diamonds or any other design element they wanted.
The hand stitching used is a form of art that is so neatly done that machine stitching cannot hold a candle to it.
The time it takes to make these quilts meant women had to come together years ago to help each other out to ensure that everyone had enough quilts to keep their families warm during the cold winters.
Some of these quilt masterpieces have been passed down from generation to generation and are priceless to their owners.
Others have worn seams, missing fat quarters and frayed edges from overuse and improper care, but they still provide warmth.
It's what is expected of them no matter what they look like, and, when you pick up a quilt, you're never disappointed.
You know that it will keep you warm on cold nights and when you're all wrapped up in it, it will help provide you with a very good night's sleep.
Our lives are like a hand made quilt.
Your family is your foundation - they provide your border squares.
Your friends made through jobs, neighborhoods, schools, churches, sports affiliations, and other organizations fill in the center squares.
Think about some of your family and friends.
Some are extremely colorful - amazingly bright so their squares stand out from all of the others.
These friends provide a lot of joy in your life, and they're extremely close to you.
Others are laid back or quiet so their squares are neutral and blend into the background.
This doesn't mean they have any less value to you.
Whether your quilt is made of old clothes, hand-me-downs or cut from new fabric, remember that the strength and beauty lies in the strength of those relationships - some wild, some mild, but never boring! We share time - joys and tragedies together and with each year, wrinkle and gray hair, we grow stronger in those relationships with the knowledge and wisdom that make us a treasure to behold just like your quilt! The batting is your soul, and it runs through the entire middle of the quilt.
Once that batting starts coming loose, you need to "fix it" in order to keep the entire quilt intact.
You know when it's time to recharge your batteries, and the people you can call on to provide that very important "repair.
" The muslin backing is your Heavenly Father, and He has your back literally.
No matter what - He's got you, your entire family, friends, and your soul covered and fully protected.
Imagine what it feels like being wrapped up in that masterpiece of your own personal quilt when times are hard to bear.
Remember what it means to be surrounded by people who love you even when you feel alone.
Remember the times when you wrapped a new baby who is now grown in one of those quilts.
Think about guests who've come to stay with you who slept wrapped up in those quilts and even tender moments spent with the one you love.
Remember that all of your hand sewn stitches are connected to Him, and without Him, the quilt would completely separate from the other layers and fall apart.
Cherish that quilt every day for that quilt - the hand sewn stitches, the colorful squares, are uniquely yours.
No two are alike.
And even when it comes apart and has to be repaired, this doesn't make it weak.
It gives your quilt a character unlike any other just like the scars we have gotten over the years that heal over time.
Our love is like the stitching that runs through the entire quilt - we share it with others, and it comes back to us time and time again.
Thank you for being a part of my incredible "quilt.
" I will treasure you always.