Tapestry and Trust

Well I've managed to lose the post I wrote last night (can you relate?).  I do recall that my inspiration for writing was just being amazed by God's design and plan for my life, for our lives. I have had a few conversations recently with people who are struggling with difficult circumstances. My message has been to encourage them to trust God and be grateful for incredible care He gives to us in and through our circumstances.

Trust. My dictionary app tells me it is reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc. of a person or thing; confidence.

It's almost laughable to me as I read that definition in light of the small fraction I know of God. I say that because I am aware of how difficult it is for us to put our trust in God, yet He is undeniably trustworthy.  If I were 5 again, and I could have complete confidence that my big strong daddy could and would catch me when I hurled myself into his arms. How much less do I trust God with my life? I've made Him my Lord, accepted His gift of love and mercy? But do I really trust Him?

Last night I wrote a bit about why I had chosen to name the blog, "Tapestry".  I am inspired by beautiful things. I think my mom taught me how to see and appreciate beauty.  Tapestries are so intricate, the months, often times years given to designing, selecting, the colors, maybe dyeing the threads and then painstakingly weaving each one into place. Until one day the entire picture appears. Behold the beauty not only of the finished product but the beauty of the story written as it was being made.

I liken God's design and plan for my life to that of an intricate tapestry. Psalm 139:14 says "I praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."  As a mom, a Christ-follower and a sociology major I believe that the framework, like the sturdy welts of the tapestry, were created by God in my mother's womb.  The DNA, brown hair, procrastinating temperament, it was all there. The refining process has been going on for over 50 years. Through exciting experiences like 4-H fashions shows and awards as a very young lady. Through loosing grandparents, and uncles, a brother, a mentor, a sister in Christ, and parents. Through schooling, and a wide variety of jobs, recognition, denial, health, sickness.  My God, my strength, my certainty, my hope, has used each one with precision. Each event, each experience, providing what need for the next step in my journey. In essence, weaving the tapestry of my life into something beautiful.

Do I believe myself any different than you? Unique yes. Different no.  I'm as ordinary as they come, But, my God, He is extraordinary.  Do I trust Him? Nope, not completely but  I am a lot closer to trusting Him to the point of jumping off a cliff into His arms today, than I was a year ago.  Do I believe that all of the stuff that I've experienced is good?  100%!  Hard, bitter, lonely, at times, yes, but I believe in Him and know that He loves more than we'll ever fully know.

My hope and prayer for you today is that you will look at your life and appreciate how skillfully God has led you to the place you are today, and that you are learning to trust Him as He attempts to weave the tapestry of your life.

Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.