Recently, I was given a suitcase of material left behind by
an elderly lady who was now no longer able to stitch with them. Amongst the
remnants and scraps I found cut out skirts, which had never been stitched
together, and half-done patchwork.
It reminded me of a book, Rhythms of Rest, I have been
reading. The author reminds us that work is never complete. There is always more
to be done. There are always dishes to wash, clothes that are dirty, unfinished
projects and deadlines looming. We will never finish it all.
She urges us to down tools and take a Sabbath rest. Despite
the work, the unfinished list, the dishes in the sink. Rest is important. We
need to recharge. We need to listen to God, to re-establish priorities and see
what is important to do, and what is not. We need stillness and silence to hear
His voice. When we do not rest, we are doing more than God wishes. We are doing
it in our own strength, not from his abundant love.
I gave the skirt pieces to a friend to make into skirts for
her daughter. She was delighted to be able to be creative with the beautiful
fabrics and make something special for her girl.
I sewed the patchwork pieces into cushions to go on our new
swing seat on the balcony. They look magnificent.
I am grateful to pick up the work left unfinished and have
the joy of completing it.
I am grateful to be used by God and have work to do, for my
family and the wider community.
I am also grateful to have comfortable cushions
to rest on, and to know I am not indispensable. 
