Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Sewing (02/22/07)
-
TITLE: A Stitch Toward Heaven | Previous Challenge Entry
By dub W
02/22/07 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
“Your gaze is lost Hannah, you’ve been staring out that window for nearly an hour.”
“Oh, Mrs. McGrew.” Hanna turned her head quickly toward her matron. Mrs. McGrew had been her guardian ever since her birth. Hannah’s mother had gone to the Lord shortly after the family arrived at the colony and later her father was conscripted to return to England.
"Hannah, did you hear me?"
“Yes, ma'am, it's just that I imagine I can see England from here, and Father is boarding a ship as we speak.”
“Thank God for imagination child.” Mrs. McGrew approached Hannah’s side. And what is it you are sewing today?”
“I’m afraid my needle has scarcely pierced the surface of this piece. My heart simply is not cooperating. I long for his return.”
“You told me you were making a gift for Brother Richard, is that not sill your intent?”
“Aye, it is, and it was generous of Mr. Mason to find the sailcloth for me to pull thread, but I am weak in spirit these days.”
Mrs. McGrew settled onto a bench. “The spirit is not the trouble. You are simply conflicted by what you know and what you wish. Even our Lord says that you cannot serve two masters.”
“But, can’t I dream of father returning?”
“Oh, I wouldn’t think it a sin, but if you serve the dream above all else, a dream which you cannot ever effect the outcome, then you are serving a disloyal master.”
Hannah squirmed on her stool. “I think I understand.”
“Look,” Mrs. McGrew pointed to the sailcloth, “you have started something that Brother Richard will use in the church. Now, which master will you serve?”
“You are right, Mrs. McGrew.” Hannah tucked her head. “Will God forgive me?”
“Oh, child,” Mrs. McGrew chuckled, “God is forgiving us every minute, all we who believe and are in service to our faith. I know that you are blessed, for you are here today.”
Hannah knew too well of the daily burials in the colony. Most of the children did not make it past birth. She was lucky or blessed, as Mrs. McGrew indicated. “I had better continue while there is light.”
Mrs. McGrew left Hannah sewing by the window. The daily process went on until the first flowers bloomed along the hedge row.
“Daydreaming again Hannah?” Mrs. McGrew caught her charge gazing out the window.
“Oh, no ma’am, I am seeking inspiration from God, so I can finish the cloth.”
“Seeking inspiration?”
“See the tiny flowers, how they reach for the heavens?’
“Why yes, I believe I do.”
“That is what I tied to capture; reaching to heaven to show how to serve the master.”
Mrs. McGrew smiled, “I think you actually listened to me last month.”
Hannah drew back from the window and held up the cloth. Every stitch was sewn perfectly and the image of a hand reaching toward heaven was sewn into the cloth.
“Oh child,” Mrs. McGrew drew a deep breath. “Surely, you have captured the servant’s wish. With this, Brother Richard and the Church will be pleased.”
“I pray only for the Lord’s forgiveness for trying to serve two masters.”
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
I found two errors, I am sure were left to see if anyone notice, Hanna instead of Hannah and sill instead of still.
Thanks for a great read!