As a sewer, the saying “A stitch in time saves nine” holds great value to me. I have spent about 80 percent of my life sewing, stitching creating and re-creating. In fact, my husband had purchased a sewing machine for me long before we had a television in our early married years. It was one of the fancier kinds, that did ornate stitching long before it became popular.
Later in life, I found that there was a need for mending that I could fulfill as a stay-at-home mom. I did countless alterations for prom dresses and progressed to more serious projects- wedding dresses, usually for bridesmaids. The people seemed to like my work and I enjoyed the compliments so my career was launched. I have been collecting fabric for years, intending that there may come a time when I can no longer afford material or would be unable to get to the store. I refer to it as my retirement fund. My friends have all heard me say a thousand times “When I grow up I intend to be a comedian, but for now I just collect material.”
Through the years I have developed a business plan: do my best even if no one else could see it. I began to inspect each garment for other needs, watching for weak areas that would not be seen by the common eye. Weak pockets, loose buttons, center seams that needed reinforcement. I actually watched for the opportunity to add that stitch in time. I figured that God could see my hands at work and He always sent people my way when I had a financial need so I began also to pray for the person who would wear the article of clothing. I would pray for their safety, for their health, and for God to bless them in their lives.
At first, I thought I had imagined it but I came to realize that God had planned for me to be in contact with people through this simple service. People came my way that had become accustomed to trashing garments when a button came off - out of sheer frustration. It seemed so silly to me having never considered that idea for myself. Here God was bringing people to me who needed more than a few stitches. Many needed someone to hear them, to guide them, and accept them.
Back in the mid-nineties, the need came for a replacement machine once again. Finances in our home were stressed at best while we recovered from my husband’s unemployment. I was given a choice between a new machine or a new car. I chose the brand new machine and expanded my skills. At the same time God expanded my blessings. The One who really matters had noticed my thankfulness. I continue to serve God but not just through my handiwork. I serve on several committees at my church and teach classes mostly to adults. I watch over the grandchildren a few days each week and remember to do my share of community service.
I still sew for others and have no intention of stopping until my eyesight goes, or I find myself in a place where needles are considered dangerous. What makes this so special for me is the humbleness that I feel when I am asked to do what I consider to be as easy as breathing. People look to me for help and I look to God. I can be doing what I enjoy, in the comfort of my home and still be serving the LORD of my life and making a difference in the world around me – one stitch at a time. And those classes I teach are based on the book-Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. You might know it as the Bible.
Jan
29
A Needle Pulling Thread
Judy VanNostrand 01/29/09
CATEGORY: Religion and Spirituality