Colorful skeins of thread surround him. And neutral strings on the loom show no pattern to follow. As far as I can see.
But the old carpet maker knows.
Thread by thread. Hour by hour. Day by day.
He works the loom, creating a rich pattern. A map of threads he already had in mind when he started.
One thread at a time
The 1990s. Every time people visit us in Karachi, we introduce them to delicious chicken tikka and fresh hot naan. We take them to see historic landmarks. Religious sites. Desert markets.
One favorite stop is Afghan Carpet. A massive warehouse of unique handmade carpets from all over Asia.
Our guests drink little cups of tea and explore piles of beautiful carpets.
And I watch the carpet maker who sits to the side. At his loom. Making large carpets. By hand.
Intricate, colorful designs. One thread at a time.
Woven with purpose
In life. Over the years. Random threads here and there turn out to be part of a multihued tapestry.
Woven with purpose by the Master.
Our sojourn in Pakistan is marked by some of the hardest and richest years of our lives.
Necessary threads. Of lessons learned in wilderness and desert heat. Varied threads. Of unexpected beauty in culture and friendships. Fellowship.
All figuring into our ongoing story.
Mystery
In this desert city, the mystery intrigues me. How the Lord takes the simple thread of truth and changes hearts long-veiled.
How looking for and finding patterns of connection with people we meet opens unexpected doors. To share the gospel.
And watching for glimpses of His hand at work brings deep joy. Leading to declarations of His glory.
Colorful threads
The old carpet maker in Karachi stops for his chai. After a long day of work, it’s time to rest. He’ll resume carpet-making later. Or tomorrow.
The colorful threads of our lives rest in the hands of our Maker. He doesn’t stop for chai. He doesn’t sleep or take a break.
He is always at work. Taking each thread and bringing them together for His plan and purpose.
His ways
Take note of the threads.
And rejoice in the mystery. The beauty of His ways.
“Oh, the depth of the riches
and the wisdom and the knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments
and untraceable his ways!
For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?
And who has ever given to God,
that he should be repaid?
For from him and through him
and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever. Amen.”
Romans 11:33-36
What about you?
Do you watch for evidence of His design in your life? Have you rejoiced lately in the mystery of His ways?
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Beauty of timing – Looking for beauty – Missing beauty – By design – Master artist – Coming through the night – Mystery revealed – The rest of the story – Hidden treasure –
2 replies on “Threads”
A life woven by the Master’s hand! What a delightful reminder to rest in His care – like the birds of the air building nests don’t stress over the size or shape of another nest. So much of the discontent that dislodges joy comes from comparing external things. Rejoicing in His provision in the past and His plan for the future!
Thank you for sharing the “discontentment that dislodges joy.” So true!