A Lesson To Be Learned
My dad is from a large family, so my siblings and I grew up with many cousins. As a high school graduation gift, my grandma pieced together a quilt for each of the twenty grandchildren. They were unique and beautiful. When I was in my junior year, I accidentally saw the one Grandma was working on for me. Rather than excitement, I was disillusioned. The scraps were not pretty, and the rather plain way she chose to piece them together didn't thrill me either. I was less than impressed. Looking back on the incident, Grandma sensed my disappointment and said, "Hon, just wait till it's finished." I got busy with school and such, and simply forgot about the quilt.
After my graduation, Grandma presented me with a huge, wrapped, be-ribboned package. I remembered the quilt...I found myself holding this huge, soft bundle in my lap. I glanced up at Grandma, and her eyes, along with the others in my family, were looking warmly at me.
I began to unfold the quilt, and was absolutely amazed at the creation. The finished product of all those mis-matched scraps of fabric I had seen two years before in Grandma's basket. I took the quilt to my heart and went over to Grandma to thank her with a big hug.
With tear-filled eyes she began pointing out each scrap and telling its particular unique story. This gift was made from bits and pieces of my family...my ancestor's lives...a story of my heritage.
Individually, each piece was not attractive or special. Yet, when beautifully sewn together, they were a wonderful representation of my family's life.
The quilt remains on my bed to this day. Each time I make and re-make the bed, I am reminded of my heritage, and each individual who lives on in this priceless gift.
I've had some ugly quilt squares in my personal life. And, at the time I was faced with them, was forced to look at them individually. I saw nothing but trials, pain, and hurt. However, as I begin to unfold my "quilt," God is revealing the beauty in all the pieces that have made me whom I am today.
I've led a blessed life. I was reared in a strong Christian home with Godly parents. Then, God placed a wonderful man on my path who became my soulmate, my husband, and best friend. We have five daughters, each unique in her own way. We've had our share of problems, but we've enjoyed many a blessing. Then, suddenly, my quilt began to unravel before my eyes.
My second-born, the "peace-maker" could never stand dissention between the sisters. Amy was an absolute joy;beautiful, with long, thick, curly blond hair and intensely blue eyes. With her, there was no hidden agenda, everyone loved her and enjoyed her company. Her dimpled smile was contagious--her eyes filled love and compassion for all.
She gave her life to Jesus in her early teen years. Amy was unreservedly surrendered and wanted to share His love with everyone. She was never ashamed who knew she loved the Lord. As a sophomore, she began a prayer group to meet before school in the foyer of the high school. Only a handfull began with her. Others passed them making jokes and unkind remarks. Amy would smile and invite them to join in. The group continually grew. Imagine the awesome sight--over fifty kids willing to openly stand up for Jesus.
Amy gained respect amongst her friends and teachers for the stand she'd chosen to take. She was a typical busy teen, but always had time for others--never turning anyone away.
For her sixteenth birthday, Grandma gave her a Buick Estate Wagon which she named "The Ark" because she'd pack it daily with kids needing a ride to the open prayer time at one of the local churches to pray before school. Why God chose to add the next square to our quilt, I couldn't understand....
Art Work by Paula Vaughn
For Part 2 of story, click on link below....
