Soul Stitching (devotional)

 From Amish Peace...

Most people assume that Amish quilts were done completely by hand but this was not the case.  Many Amish quilts were pieces using a treadle sewing machine but the beautiful quilting was always done by hand.

Soul Stitching

[Boaz said,] "come over here and sit down, friend." - Ruth 4:1

The Amish sewing circle is a gathering of women working together with a common purpose.  The quilt is the object of their work, but when women nestle side by side, sharing recipes, good news, and worries, their hearts and souls are stitched together too.  Amish live, work, and worship with those who reside next door, down the road, and around the corner.  They not only know the names of their neighbors but they also bake with them and their daughters.

Spending time with friends is often one of the first things we cut from our busy schedules.  We may have neither the skills nor the interest to belong to a sewing circle, but each of us can make time for friends.  The colorful moments of shared lives brighten the dreariest days.  The pieced-together scraps of memories create the story of who we are.

The Bible shares numerous stories of friendship.  David and Jonathan's friendship bonded them closer than brothers.  Ruth found friendship in her mother-in-law, Naomi.  Jesus crossed the countryside sharing the Good News of God's plan with twelve close friends.  More than that, Jesus calls us friends too: "I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves.  Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me" (John 15:15).

If you have even one good friend, hold her tight and be blessed.  If you have a circle of friends, consider yourself rich indeed.  The shared laughter and tears keep us close and stitch our hearts together.  Most of all, remember that Jesus is your best friend - no matter what.

Father in heaven, my heart overflows with gratitude for my friends.  I know these relationships weren't formed by chance; they were tailor-made by You.  Show me today, Lord, one person to reach out to in friendship.  Stitch my life together with others' through the power of your love.

(the little quilts are from the book: Prairie Children and Their Quilts by Kathleen Tracy)