Patchwork Heart

6/8/26

I am gradually pulling in around me all the things that make my heart sing again after having them all packed away for many months - it is making me feel comfortable once again to be expressing my thoughts and what creativity shows forth!

I am also once again logging in and listening to my online studies, to catch up (about a term behind at the moment) and one session I was listening to, this morning has ignited the imagery of an old worn patchwork quilt that has been very much loved over the years but is still very useful for purpose. 

In a way, that is how I am emotionally feeling… I have been through stuff, but I know that I am still able to be purposeful, but can I be comfortable in the worn and patched look I feel?

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”– Matthew 11:28-30 MSG

I was reminded by listening to my online session that like a Champaign tower at a wedding… If we allow ourselves the quality time with our Heavenly Father, for Him to pour what is needed into us then the rest/overflow will course down into all the other areas of our life that are needing His special attention.

Yes, that is exactly what is needed here and I desire to have that refilling and refreshing on a regular basis – if I am being honest!

Why the picture of the patchwork heart then?  Well, I believe with all the experiences the Lord has taken me through over the years I have a wealth of encouragement to give but does that mean that it is ‘old hat’ or not wanted any longer?

I don’t believe that Lord creates within us any experiences that cannot be of use for His purpose in seeing others blessed.  Years ago, when God prompted me to go on a mission trip, I was very involved in running Marriage and Parenting programs through our church and while away on that trip, the amount of people I was called to pray for were totally needing the wisdom of that ministry prayed over them at that time.  So yes, I believe God uses what is ‘in our hand’ to be the ‘right fit’ at the time and place he puts us!

So, if my experiences are of value, how can I best pray for the open door and allow the Lord to use them?

The Collins Dictionary (American English) says the following on the word ‘Patchwork’…

1. something made up of an incongruous variety of pieces or parts; hodgepodge

2. work made of pieces of cloth or leather of various colours or shapes sewed together, used esp. for covering quilts, cushions, etc

3. resembling a patchwork, esp. in being makeshift, irregular, or improvised a patchwork policy of dispensing foreign aid

I guess my life could be referred to bits & pieces or a ‘hodgepodge’ of experiences, but all these different adventures have come together to make me who I am today.  All my undertakings have created within me my firm decision for my YES & AMEN on certain   criteria and my definite NO on others.

By going thru my experiences, I have resolved that my heavenly father loves, cares for and only wants the best for my life.  He has prepared the way, orchestrated plans ahead of time and turned my all for His good!

Even though at the beginning of this blog I said I felt like a ‘worn out patch work quilt’ I know my Heavenly Father seems more than that in me because I don’t believe he would go to all the trouble he has for me to be where I am today and it not be for an even greater purpose in store!

Although I am currently unaware of what those plans may be at this point, I am looking forward with great expectation to what is up ahead and believing that it will only be good!  So, each morning I am stepping out my front door to pray over my circumstances, my sphere of influence and all the Lord brings my way!

Watch this space!

Prayer:

Lord, I put all my expectations in You. I repent of the times I have expected other people or other things to meet my needs when I should have been looking to You. I know that You are the only one who can complete me because You are everything I need. All that I have ever wanted in my life can be found in You. Help me to remember to live not in my own strength, but by the power of Your Spirit living in me. Forgive me for the times I have forgotten to do that. Enable me to grow in the things of Your kingdom so that I can become a whole, properly functioning, contributing, productive child of Yours who moves forward in Your purpose for my life.

Excerpt from “The Power of a Praying Woman” by Stormie Omartian