Friday, January 21, 2011

The Threads You Use

I  had my embroidery thread all colored coded and put in slots in a plastic container.  I was ready to do a cross stitch picture that I have had a long time.  As I got the thread out, the colors were all ready for me.  When I threaded my needle something just did not seem right.  It kept breaking.  I got another color.  The same thing happened.  Then I realized my thread was rotten.  I will have to start over.  

I did not realize that it had been that long since I did my last cross stitch.  I had use the thread to sew on buttons that may have come off.  Three strands of thread  will sew a button on in a hurry.  But to do a pretty cross stitch  would not do.  It would have broken pieces all over.  It also would be a waste of time.  I surely would not want anyone to see it. There would be no beauty there to see.

I thought of our life.  Is there anything of beauty that others can see Jesus in my life.  Or do I have a rotten attitude sometimes?   Others know what our life reflects.  

"And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us." Psalm 90

THE THREADS YOU USE  

Of what are you weaving your life  
today,
Of fast-fading pleasures or joys
that stay?
Do you want it completed in lovely 
hues?
It will all depend on the thread 
  you use!

Take only the best from the maze
you find,
The threads that will strength
your hearts and mind;
Just threads you are sure of, beyond 
a doubt,
Durable threads that will not wear 
out.

You will want some colorful, gay
and bright,
Beautiful, too, but they must be
right;
No snags,no knots, no colors that run,
To make you ashamed in the days
to come.

Some of the threads should be sturdy
and plain
The better, we know, to withstand 
the strain.
Of the noonday sun and the scalding
tears
They are sure to come with the
passing years.

To all of your threads you must add 
some gold,
The wealth of God's Love - it will
make them hold.
For in weaving a life of beautiful 
hues,
It always depends on the threads you us.
                    Alice Hansche Mortenson


Get rid of all the rotten threads and start a beautiful picture!

                      

8 comments:

Nikki (Sarah) said...

this is amazingly beautiful

Elizabeth said...

Don't you love the simple illustrations God gives us by using everyday things and situations? I know it always helps me to understand better.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Since I have just started back embroidering that illustration really hit home...oh, me, I need to get rid of some rotten threads...I saw some in me today, thanks for the exhortation

Elaine said...

Just wanted to stop in and say hello. We have not had a steady connection with Internet yet. We look to get it thus month and u hope start blogging again.

God has been good. He's really done alot for us since being in NC.

Hope all is well with you.

Deborah said...

I love this poem, and your analogy. Have a great day! It's very cold here today...so cold my door has frost on the inside. Considering my husband works in a factory that makes doors, that really shouldn't happen! Maybe when he finishes the other house, he'll have time to work on this one. :o)

Ella said...

Aliene~
A beautiful word of exhortation. I have a dear friend who stiches, I will direct her to your post.
Hugs, Ella

child of God said...

This brought a smile to my face. Our actions reflect who we are.

Blessings,
<><

Rita said...

I wish that cross stitching would come back. I love beautiful stitchery. If the threads are rotten though, it can sure ruin your lovely piece, just like sin can ruin our lives. Lovely post!