Life is like a tapestry
The late Corrie ten Boom compared our lives to a tapestry. The backside is an absolute mess. There’s no discernible pattern and the strands are twisted, tangled and knotted. There’s a mishmash of colors with threads of different textures, lengths and widths. In a word, the backside is u-g-l-y.
Your life story is like the backside of the tapestry. The really wonderful moments are the bright colors. These strands are less tangled and shorter in length. The dark colors are those moments that brought you to your knees. These strands are jumbled together and seem to go on forever.
Now turn the tapestry over. The front side is how your life will look from heaven. The colors go together in a clear pattern. The strands no longer vary in length or width, but are uniform in size. The texture is soft and smooth. Overall, the tapestry is a beautiful masterpiece. Only a Master Craftsman could create such a stunning work of art.
Somehow God intertwines the events of your life – the good and bad – for your overall benefit. In combination, He uses your life experiences to mold your character, transform your attitudes, and refine your behavior. Every experience is meant to prepare you for your unique calling; each event is intended to make you more like Jesus.
© 2009 Steven A. Lake
Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.
