The Tapestry

by Irene Zundel

I will always remember my grandmother with a deep love and reverence. She was a wise soul, who taught me so much!

Granny loved to crochet, embroider and do needlepoint. It relaxed her and gave her time to think and reflect at the end of a busy day.

If ever I needed a listening ear, or some sound advice, I’d sit at the feet of her rocking chair, and watch her lovingly craft a work of art. Inevitably, she would turn her needlework face down and sit and have a chat with me.

If I asked her, "Granny, What are you making?" she would reply, "It’s a surprise. You’ll see it when it’s finished."

Many homes were filled with her beautiful work which she turned into pillows, wall hangings, bed linens and tablecloths, delicate lace pieces, and cozy comforters, all with exquisite detail and cheerful splashes of color. The beauty and warmth of her handiwork matched her beautiful spirit.

I was so profoundly grief stricken when she passed away. I thought I would never find anyone who could understand me or listen to me when my heart was breaking.

One night, when I was missing her so much, I cried myself to sleep, and had the most beautiful dream about her.

Granny was in Heaven, still rocking in her chair, and still doing her needlework. Her face was filled with the most radiant love and her eyes were deep pools of wisdom. She was making a tapestry with fine embroidery thread.

As was her custom, she turned the needlework face down on her lap, and gave me her undivided attention. I was so happy that I could have one last talk with her!

With great compassion Granny asked me, "Why do you only see the backside of the tapestry of life? All that is there are knots, and cut and frayed pieces of thread. The beauty is on the other side!"

Perplexed at her statement, I remained silent. Then my beloved grandmother beckoned me to come near her and see the front of the needlework she had in her lap. I was stunned and amazed to see that she was creating a tapestry of me!

My blond hair was stitched with filaments of real gold. Around my throat was a flawless, pearl necklace, and my green eyes seemed to sparkle. The dress I wore had the most beautiful and radiant colors, and was patterned with little hearts. My garment was trimmed with the most delicate lace.

Still too stunned to speak, I sought an explanation with my eyes, which were welling up with tears. I knew myself and all my flaws. How could she create a portrait of me that was so beautiful and priceless?

Granny explained:

Child, never despair of any struggles you face, any tears you shed, wrongs you suffer, or pain you endure. Don’t dwell on any disappointments or heartaches, diseases or death of your loved ones. Focus only on your faith and the abiding and eternal love of God.

For each of these trials you learn from and overcome, the Lord adds another golden thread or jewel to the tapestry of your life. You might not understand all you have gone through, but when you reach your heavenly home one day, you will see what beauty God has fashioned from your faithful spirit.

You cry when you see the picture because you don’t recognize that tapestry as yourself. You see what you think you are. Your Heavenly Father sees what you will become. Now dry your tears and don’t grieve for me any more. Go an live a life of love and faith.

Just before I woke, Granny whispered to me, "Read Colossians 2, verses 2&3. When my eyes opened I flew to my Bible and read these beautiful words that still lift my spirit today:

I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God's great mystery. All the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else.
Colossians 2:2&3, The Message translation