Thoughts for the Journey
Over 40 years ago I began my love affair with Joanne Fabrics.
Do you remember that wonderful store? Often I would be looking for
buttons and thread. Then my eyes and feet would wander. I just could
not help myself. Down the aisles through the beautiful fabrics, the
patterns, the yarn, the crochet hooks, ending up in the needlework
aisles. Cross stitch, crewel work, embroidery kits. Everything I had
learned from grandmother and mother. I enjoyed challenging myself
with pattern, yarn or thread, and my own clumsy hands. I started to
collect kits as they went on sale, completing some, and confident I
would “one day” get to those stored. In some cases I did. But in most
cases, I have yet to tear open the plastic and plan my strategy of
completion. I am sharing this because having cleaned the basement
at the parsonage I have yet to go through those craft bins. Decisions
must be made! What is still viable? What to get rid of or keep? When
will I ever have (or make) time to sit and put needle to canvas? There
is one item in there that I am determined to complete before my hands
stop working. It is a Crewel needlework picture of the Peaceable Kingdom.
You may have seen this in art, picture, or other forms of needle
work. It is a scene of many animals gathered in an idyllic setting. In
the middle of this picture is usually a lamb lying beside a lion. This scene is based on Isaiah 11:6. This verse is part of an Old Testament
prophecy regarding the anticipated Israelite Messiah and what the
world will look like once he arrives.
“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.”
A peaceable kingdom will take the place of what is and return it to a space of community, respect and trust. There will be no one above another; all will occupy a place of rest, security and relationship.
I am planning on one day sitting down and completing this work of art. But if I cannot do that, my prayer is to continue to serve God in the humblest of ways for the generations to come who will see the
wolf and lamb, the lion and the calf, the neighbor next door and the
neighbor half way around the world be a living exhibit of the Kingdom
to come.
Leaning into that future,
Pastor Laurie
Calvary United Methodist Church ©