Progress not perfection- our lives are a Tapestry of Grace

Grandma made a tapestry for each of her daughters. Countless hours of stitching; trusting that something beautiful was emerging.

One of those daughters, my beloved aunt, passed away. Hers is now a treasured item which now hangs in my bedroom.

I love it not only for its handiwork or lovely scene. Not just because it was made by my Grandma’s hands…

Strive for progress

Every time I look at it, I am reminded of how my life has been made beautiful in spite of the ugly underside. Do you know what I mean?

There is always the potential of our lives as works in progress, but we can miss the beauty because we can’t see the completed work.

Our eyes are blurry when we try to focus too closely. We need to step back.

There are glimpses of color, pattern, and beauty.

But we are part of the underside, where the knots and mistakes are.

The pattern mimics the finished creation, but is marred by imperfections.

Here is the good news, there is NO screw-up that won’t still be worked into a custom designed, intricately gorgeous tapestry if we use those knots for good.

How?

We don’t hide them.

We can let people feel the roughness and see the reality of how difficult a masterpiece is to create.

Let each other know that we all have the skipped stitches and sloppy tie offs.

At the end, how glorious a display of beauty an imperfect life presents when the redemption shines through. A tapestry of grace.

Your turn– I’d love for you to share an instance where you’ve seen the skipped stitches in your life play into the larger, beautiful picture.

Resources to cencourage:

Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life

The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?

Gracelaced

How to Be an Imperfectionist: The New Way to Self-Acceptance, Fearless Living, and Freedom from Perfectionism

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