My Grandmother's Sewing Machine, Symbol of Quality and Caring
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven."
(Eccl. 3:1 NIV)
It often seems, nowadays, that we don't have time for anything. We have to
squeeze grief into our heavy schedules, we deal with loss through insurance
companies, and in some places, women are expected to return to work within a few
days of giving birth. Let's face it: our generation is one that is dominated by
the clock, with no time to spare!
While visiting a local attraction at Dawson Creek, B.C., I discovered a display
of old sewing machines. They were the kind that were propelled by pumping a
metal footplate, and my mind immediately wandered back to the days when my
grandmother used to use one of these machines. Oh, the masterpieces she could
produce! Holes in socks would miraculously disappear, quilts would piece
themselves together perfectly, and the dresses she could generate from scraps of
fabric were amazing! Many of her works of art are still in use and will last for
generations to come.
My grandmother not only found the time to mend our clothing, but she also took
the time to mend our hearts. She was always there, as a non-condemning, neutral
listener, to hear our tales of woe; and when asked for advice, her few words
were always right to the point. She was not only the best seamstress I knew, but
also my best personal advisor.
Where are the days when furniture lasted generations? Where are the days when
quality was more important than the dollar sign attached to it? Where are the
days when time was spent with family and friends instead of chasing after the
almighty dollar? In our day and age, bridges collapse, buildings crumble and
"Made in China" DVD players are at the mercy of any and all imaginable woes.
People sort out their problems by talking to a psychiatrist, and socks with
holes are considered disposable. Work is done on the run, and goods are
manufactured in such a way that they are in constant need of repair.
Churches are no better. Church attendees are rarely welcomed with open arms.
Most believers are able to slip in and out of church unnoticed each week,
especially in large congregations; and unless you wear your name in big, black
letters (red and purple work too!), the most common question you hear is, "What
is your name again?"
Let's take the advice given to us in God's Word. Let's savor the joys of life
that God has bestowed on us. Let's look at our work with pride. After all,
haven't we been enrolled in God's family? Aren't we on task for Him every second
that passes by?
"Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters but always with an eye to
obeying the real master, Christ. Don't just do what you have to do to get by,
but work heartily, as Christ's servants doing what God wants you to do. And work
with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to
be giving the orders, you're really serving God." (Eph 6:5-7 The Message)
"Enjoy the good life in Jerusalem every day of your life. And enjoy your
grandchildren." (Ps 128:5-6 The Message)
Can you mend my socks for me? I don't have time!
Rob Chaffart