I pre-wash almost all of my fabric. The only exception is pre-cuts smaller than a fat quarter since the distortion that occurs in washing and drying makes those small pieces unusable. A few days ago I washed a bundle of fat quarters I was given and, when I opened the washer to put them in the dryer, I found a terrible mess. The fabrics had all frayed around the edges and the resulting strings had tangled together. Ugh.
As I untangled the pieces of fabric from each other and ripped the bunches of strings off, there were places where it was only a string or two and they snapped easily. In other spots there were many strings and they just would not rip. I had to get the scissors, eventually, in order to cut the last few bunches of strings. As I did so, I thought, "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." That, of course, is part of a famous verse from Ecclesiastes. The whole passage says:
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
We were made for community and we need support from other people to thrive. These past few months have made that especially clear. Most of us really feel the lack of social interaction. Though we can video chat, text or call each other, it's just not the same as being in the same room as someone. I have felt special sympathy for people who have lost friends or loved ones during the quarantine and who couldn't have the usual time to sit together, hug and grieve.
The phrase 'all in this together' is everywhere these days and for good reason. Though everyone is experiencing the pandemic a little differently because of different health, financial or family circumstances, we are all in the same fight against the spread of this virus. We will get through it most successfully if we help each other as much as possible, even if that help has to come from a distance.
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| Background quilt (top) is my Burst quilt - pattern coming soon! |
These verses are ones that are not only meaningful for our need for others during quarantine, but as it relates to quiltmaking. When teaching beginners in a church environment, I used these verses to highlight how quiltmaking can be a joint effort, and the productivity that’s possible when a group makes donation/mission quilts. The Word always contains wisdom for every situation and circumstances.
ReplyDeleteGreat verse. After I saw your comment about reading through the Bible, I think I might attempt to read through. I have to admit that it's a been long time since I've cracked it open. :( The past year, I've been feeling the lack of being in a relationship...I think as I get older...... Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteSo true Leanne. Well written post. We are finding out that what truly matters most cannot be bought.
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