I think that most of your know that my Dad lives with me. . . & he means the world to me. I consider it an honor to be able to spend my days with him, & although I knew that things would eventually start to change as he gets older. . . I guess that I didn't consider how that would cause me to reconsider some things that I had thought were important. . . things that now are being put (willingly) onto the back burner, as time is showing me that for now, plans & goals that I thought were so important just a few months ago. . . really aren't. Family is.
I think this is one reason why I really like binding my quilts. Not only is it a sign that the project is close to completion (a time to celebrate!) - but I also love the fact that it makes me sit down, slow down a bit, because the process of binding takes a bit of time to do it well.
. . . Kind of like life. There are simply times when life lets us know that we need to stop rushing so & to slow down & appreciate what we have before us.
When it's a quilt. . . the binding process gives me time to think & to pray. Sometimes I think about my Grandmas, & this handwork process somehow makes me feel more connected to them. . . & sometimes I think about what is filling my days & calling for my attention & I am able to better sort through what is really important for me to do. The binding process reminds me that everything has it's time & place & that it's important to take that time. . . & to celebrate & enjoy each part as it comes.
When it's life requiring me to slow down. . . I am reminded to celebrate & enjoy each part & each event. . . as it comes. . . not matter what comes. I must admit, there are times that I would have wished that I could skip over some parts of life. . . but that would be to skip over some of what I have found to be the most precious times. . .
So today, (& for the next few days. . .), as I sit with my quilts to be bound . . . I am looking forward to thinking, & some time to simply slow down. . . stitch. . . remember. . . & be oh so thankful for it all.
12 comments:
Beautiful post. So many dread bindng... you've almost made me look forward to my next binding project. As for not posting---we'll just say you were busy living life rather than writing about it, don't be so hard on yourself. Have a great Monday---
Brenda, what a heartfelt post. I'm so glad you shared it. I am one of the few that love to do binding. I love the slowing down process as well. I pray that you will feel refreshed and renewed during this time and that it will be a time of blessing for you.
And a time to every season under heaven. May this time be everything you need to find the answers...that are right for you right now.
Thank you for that thoughtful post. There is a vast difference between living life and living life thoughtfully. May you find the riches awaiting as you savor and thoughtfully walk your journey.
thanks for sharing... your story means a lot to me... more than you know!
That quilt is so sweet! All that pretty wool. I hope all is well with you and Dad and Bailey. xo
When I first started quilting, I did all of my binding on the sewing machine. It was so much faster! At this point in time, there is nothing better than knowing I have some binding to stitch--so peaceful and serene.
I really love this post, Brenda. Why is it that so often we don't slow down until life puts the breaks on for us... Hope you are enjoying your quiet time.
I'm so glad that you have your dad close and the ability to spend the time with him that you need. That is a blessing. Prayers for you during this quiet time :)
I felt your comments to my heart. My Mom passed away almost a year and half ago. She was quite sick and spent her last 6 weeks or so in hospice. Her last year was hard for all of us in so many ways. We weren't close as I was growing up, it took both of us getting old to finally find common ground and enjoy each others company. My Dad, with whom I was very close, left us way too quickly ten years ago. I always felt my time with Mom was also a gift to Dad. Cherish this time with your Dad, no matter how hard it gets. In the end, you'll realize it was a blessing. How fortunate for us that we have something that keeps our hands busy and calms us.
How thankful I am to come across such a lovely dearing and graceful lady. May your days be filled with planning new memories for you and your DAD. It is those special days Bren that will keep softening your heart and ours.
blessings m.s.
Thank you Brenda - for the reminder
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