The Needlepoint Metaphor

“‘My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the LORD. ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.’” (Isaiah 55:8-9, NLT)

If you happen to be a grandma (or grandpa) who does cross-stitch or needlepoint, this may be the most valuable devotion you’ll ever read. Every time you pick up your needle and threads, you’ll be reminded of its deep truth. But even if you don’t know your knit from your purl, keep reading. The needlepoint metaphor is a lesson worth knowing and passing on.

Imagine a young lad sitting at the foot of his grandmother’s rocking chair. The fireplace is crackling, and she’s relaxing with some embroidery after a long day. The boy looks up quizzically as his grandma’s hands move the needle in and through the delicate tapestry. What does he see? From below, her handiwork looks like a formless, purposeless, and tangled zigzag of knots and loose threads. But when the boy says, “Whatcha doin’, Grammy?” she smiles and tilts the top of the embroidery hoop toward the boy to reveal a charming garden scene outlined by a few well-chosen words of wisdom.

The view from below is confusing; the view from above makes perfect sense.

Just so it is when we compare our perspective with God’s. Much of our messy lives are filled with loose threads, zigzags, and knots. Times when we have lost our way, changed our minds, and stopped in our tracks. But a heavenly perspective—one we cannot possibly have yet—reveals perfect order.

At the end of our lives, we will see how God’s handiwork comes together in complete perfection. Until then, we’ll have to trust the Creator to keep crafting the story of our lives. Occasionally we’ll get a glimpse of his entire plan, but only if we rest at his feet, lift our eyes with trust and expectation, and say, “Whatcha doin’, Papa?”

It’s a great word picture. And it’s a visual image you should definitely share with your grandchildren. But when? Maybe be intentional about sharing that lesson the next time you see them, while it’s fresh in your heart and mind. Maybe save that lesson for when they ask why bad things happen to good people. You’ll probably remember it when you happen to pass a wall of framed cross-stitch while walking with your grandchild at the county fair craft booths. Certainly, you’ll compellingly share this metaphor if and when they enter a room in which you’re doing some needlepoint.

It’s such a wonderful lesson, it might be a reason for any grammy or gramps to take up a new hobby!

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

First and foremost, take this lesson into your own heart. God knows what He’s doing. He sees the big picture. You can trust Him.

Also, never forget you have stored up dozens of great spiritual lessons that have touched your own heart over the years. Your grandkids need to hear just about all of them. Those teachable moments come when you least expect it. Don’t miss them. Take full advantage. That’s the biggest reason you need to be intentional about just sharing life with your grandkids.