A single thread in a tapestry
Through its color brightly shine
Can never see its purpose
In the pattern of the grand design

So how can you see what your life is worth
Or where your value lies?
You can never see through the eyes of man
You must look at your life

Look at your life through heaven’s eyes

The above is from the song Through Heaven’s Eyes from the soundtrack for the movie “Prince of Egypt.” I love that imagry of my life being a colored thread within a tapestry that God is weaving. What an amazing day it will be when the revelation of this tapestry is unveiled. A real time to revel with elation (see my last post).

There are many times when things don’t make sense. Times when I’m frustrated, sad, disappointed, and, should I dare say?, mad at God. Then after time passes, and life settles down a bit, the dust clears and I can see more clearly, and I come to realize that God knew what was happening and had everything under control, and my heart is filled with gratitude for all He brought me through.

“Yes, I still get frustrated. I want to know how my current difficulty fits into God’s big picture. It would make things so much easier to endure the challenge at hand, wouldn’t it? But God’s ways are not our ways, and until it’s my turn to sit in Jesus’ lap and feel that unimaginable peace and security, I’m trying to live my life with that in mind.” {Todd Burpo, HEAVEN CHANGES EVERYTHING}

Another perspective is that I rarely have an inkling of the impact my life makes on others. What I do and the choices I make don’t only affect me but other people are impacted as well. This became clear when I got married and became a mother. My life is also a thread in the tapestry of the lives I encounter and have relationship with. My life is not my own. A sobering thought.

I think about the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They were grieved over Jesus’ death and bewildered about what they were supposed to do now. Then they were joined on the road by a stranger asking them what they were talking about. They couldn’t believe the ignorance of this stranger.

Then the stranger proceeded to remind them about all the writings of Moses and the prophets that explained all the Messiah would have to do and suffer. Then they had a meal together. As soon as the stranger broke the bread the veil was lifted and they recognized Jesus. I find it interesting that their claim of experiencing their hearts burn wasn’t when Jesus broke the bread, but when He took them through the writings of Moses and the prophets…as they began to see the pattern of the tapestry of God’s ultimate plan of redemption their hearts were aflame.

Prayer

Father God, giver and author of life. Let this lesson be a reminder to me of the bigger picture–the beautiful tapestry your are weaving. I surrender myself to Your plan. Weave me into the tapestry as you see fit. May my life draw attention to Your beauty, and may my life beautify others. Open my eyes. Lift the veil so I may see my life through Heaven’s eyes.