Dear Friends, 

Many years ago I wrote an article for a local publication about life in our mountain town.  I’d like to share it with you today because I believe it speaks of life in each of our communities, our Church families, our neighborhoods, and groups of friends.  

The Tapestry of Life 

An elaborate tapestry is in the process of creation.  Day after day and year after year the threads are woven, hiding the fibers that hold them in place.  The hands of our people hold the shuttle, as life goes on in our mountain home and the picture in the tapestry comes alive.
 
Yes, each person who lives here or has ties to our small community contributes to its beauty with the threads of his or her own life. The colors of those threads are determined by a person’s hopes and dreams.  The texture comes from deep within their souls.  As she weaves, one person may use a vibrant green, a color which shows her concern and love for nature, for the wonder of all things created by the hands of God.
 
Another may weave with soft threads of blue, showing a desire for tranquility and peace within his heart and with his neighbor.  Only a few will use a gold thread, expensive, rare and shining, bright with happiness and a desire to see the good in life and in people.  Or maybe you will bring us red, the color of fire and might. 
 
Did you notice that we all hold some black threads in our hands?  These threads will outline and add shadow to the picture on the tapestry.  These threads are sadness, concern, and yes, sometimes even anger.  The beauty of the picture requires darkness to highlight the colors as well.   
 
A life of true beauty is difficult to achieve, so although each person may hold several colors in his hands, he will never be able to supply all that is needed alone. 
 
So my friend, look around you.  Look at your neighbor - the person walking beside you.  See what color and texture they bring to the picture.  Look at yourself, what colors are in your hand?  What textures reveal your soul? 

And then - Pick up your threads and weave!

Diane Gruchow

Published Prairie Times

July 2008

My friends let's rely on the Holy Spirit, the Voice of God, to help us work out the design, and then we can weave!  I've found the tapestry is even more beautiful when the hands of the Master Weaver are in charge!