One Stitch, Much Love

The What-if Challenge

Posted on 04.21.2010. Filed under: Life |

You may have noticed that I haven’t posted over here in 2 months (or not). This spring had been busy and making blankets was put on the back burner. Between ER visits (three in 5 weeks), subsequent doctor follow-ups (which we’re still doing), baseball practices and games (almost every night of the week), and trying to keep the house together, I’ve been busy. Very busy.

Isn’t that how satan works? He keeps us so busy we don’t have time for God.

I feel that this spring has been spring in my spiritual life. I’ve spent time over the past few months reading a few blogs in particular and have had the same words whispered into my soul.

“I created you, Rachel. I love you. Watch the flowers bloom. Watch the dreariness of winter give way to glorious sunshine. I created this beauty for you. I created it so you can remember that I am with you. I am whispering love in your ear. Relax, I am in control, even when you’re not. Especially when you’re not.“

But in the midst of this soul-refreshement, and basking in knowing God’s love, there has been the nagging: I know God wants me to make blankets, but I just haven’t done it. I have the fabric, I have the thread. I see it every day. All I need to do is sit down and start sewing. This spring, for every two blog posts in which I’ve breathed in God’s wonderful refreshment, there’s a post encouraging me to step out in faith and do the thing God wants me to do.

I read this post. And this one. And this one. And many others along the same lines. Last week, Bonnie Gray, at Faith Barista, posted a challenge. The what-if challenge. Basically, every story is created by what-ifs. An author can’t continue the story until the what-ifs are answered. What if the character falls in love? What if she had a child? What if she quit her job? 

We all have what-ifs in the story of our lives. What if I did _____? She asked us readers to write 5 what-if questions and then step out in faith and act on one of those questions. See what happens and report back.

As I read, only one question came to mind: What if I succeed?

There is only one way to answer that question: Go. Do. Act. See what happens.

That afternoon, I knew I would be watching baseball (both Rangers and Astros had day games). So I got out my sewing things and started cutting fabric at the coffee table. I got several pieces cut and then needed a drink. I got a drink and a snack. I realized that it was time for the older boys to be home from school, so I met them outside and we discussed plans for the afternoon. I walked back toward the living room to see Miguel (my 3 year old) covered in blood. Both of his hands and his entire shirt were covered.

Major freak out moment. My first thought, “Please tell me I don’t have to go to the ER again?”

Miguel found my rotary cutter and figured out how to get the safety cover off. He sliced his fingertip – it was deep, but a clean cut. I had to bandage him, clean his shirt, clean the couch cushions, feed the kids snacks, plus get them ready for afternoon activities. The thing is, I didn’t freak out like I could have. I got in there, cleaned things up, and moved on.

Oh, and the fabric? No blood. It was everywhere else, but not on the fabric. Coincidence? I think not.

I realized later that my calmness came from one thing: that I was doing what God wanted me to do. Obstacles get in the way, but I can deal with them peacefully and effectively if I’m doing what God wants me to do. I was at peace, I was happy, no, joyful!, that afternoon, even though I only spent a few hours cutting fabric.

As I was scrubbing Miguel’s shirt, one verse came into mind, and put a smile on my face:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds. (James 1:2)

I stepped out in faith, and first thing, obstacles were thrown in my face. I’m happy about that and look forward to the next obstacle. Today, it’s laundry, tomorrow, who knows? As long as I get one piece of a blanket done every day, I’m heading in the right direction.

And I can’t wait to see where I end up.

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