The Sailboat Quilt

"We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.”  Joshua 4:6-7

Digging through the linen closet today, I was surprised to find a special treasure.  Made with scraps of green, yellow, red, and white fabric was the sailboat quilt.  Not more than two feet squared, this fragile masterpiece took me back to a place where I experienced God's love and provision in a special way.

I was seven years old when my mother became ill and was hospitalized for a year.  It was a difficult time for me, and I missed Momma desperately.  I wasn't a very good latchkey kid--forgetting the key most days.  So, I took to crying and talking to God about it on the walks home from school, and then waiting on the porch steps until someone came home to let me in.

One such day I had forgotten the key, forgotten the books I needed to do homework, the family cat was hurt, and my brother, sister and I failed miserably trying to cook dinner.  I went to bed exhausted and in tears, and poured my heart out to God.  "I'm tired and I feel forgotten, Lord!  I miss Momma SO MUCH!  Do you hear me?  Do you see me?"

Before even finishing my prayer, Daddy walked into the room and wiped my face.

"Priscilla," he said.  "I have a gift for you.  A sweet lady that I visited tonight made this quilt just for you."

I was so overwhelmed that someone I didn't even know could love me enough to make me a special gift--a small quilt.  I knew right away that God saw me, He heard me, and He loved me.  

Then, before leaving the room, Daddy kissed my head and  said, "Your momma is coming home next week."  My heart was so full it nearly popped, and I thanked God until I fell asleep.

Like the memorial stones telling of God's goodness and provision at the Jordan River, the sailboat quilt continues to tell the story of God's goodness and provision in my own life.

The Holy Bible tells us in Psalm 116:2, "Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!"  

How well I know this to be true.  

Do you know this to be true?  

May you know today how dearly and desperately you are loved.  May you know, too, God's great provision for you in your every moment of need, and may we all trust Him.  

Yes, always trust Him.

Goodnight, Runners.