NOVEMBER 20, Isaiah 55:8-9

“That’s going to be so cool when it’s finished,” said Angie as she watched her mother sewing some pieces of a patchwork quilt. Mom smiled. “I hope so,” she replied. “This project is very special to me.” She picked up a few of the fabric squares. “Do you recognise these pieces of material?” she asked.

“They’re scraps from dresses I used to wear, aren’t they?” asked Angie.

Mom nodded. “Yes. And they remind me that God’s way is best,” she said as she began sewing again. “I used to become very disappointed and angry when I didn’t get my way,” added Mom. “I would get quite upset with God when He didn’t answer my prayers the way I wanted.”

“Really?” asked Angie. She was eager to hear her mother’s story. “But… why do these quilt pieces remind you of that?”

“Well,” said Mom, “before you came to live with us, I wanted a little baby very much. I prayed that we’d be able to adopt one right away. That didn’t happen. Your father and I prayed and prayed, and we waited and waited. I sometimes felt angry at God for not giving me my way.”

“But then you got me,” Angie said.

“That’s just the point,” said Mom with a smile. “I didn’t get my way. God had His way and it was much better. He taught us so much during those years we were waiting. We learned a lot about patience and about trusting God to work out His best for us. And then, as you said, we adopted you.” “If you had gotten a baby as soon as you wanted one, wouldn’t you have gotten me, too?” asked Angie.

“We can’t know for sure, but possibly not,” replied Mom. “That’s why this quilt is such a special project to me. I’m sewing together little remembrances from your life. As I do that, I’m reminded of how wonderful God’s way was, and is, for me.” “And for me!” said Angie as she gave her mother a big smile.

Thought: Are you patient when you don’t get your own way?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for this lesson – that sometimes what I want may not be good for me! Help me to trust in You and submit to Your will. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.