Quilts are not only beautiful works of art but also a reminder of how much we are loved.
Recently, as I was watching reruns of The Waltons, I couldn't help but notice the deep love and care shown by the women of the Walton family, particularly Olivia and Esther Walton (the mother and grandmother), as they created intricate quilts. During that time, these women painstakingly handcrafted each quilt, carefully selecting and sewing together fabric strips with great care. These quilts were not only beautiful bedspreads, but also provided much-needed warmth for the family members during the harsh winters on Walton's Mountain.
I've been thinking a lot about quilts recently, and I realized that our lives are like a big quilt. Each person we meet, every event we take part in, and every job we do can be like a unique piece of fabric. When we put them all together, they create a beautiful work of art that shows all the different parts of our life. I saw this idea reinforced in the show "The Waltons". It's set in Virginia during the Great Depression and World War II, and the family in the show didn't have a lot of money. But they loved and cared for each other and worked hard, which made them a strong family and important in their community. The work they did, like the men chopping wood and the women taking care of the home, was like adding different pieces to a quilt.
So, what has led me to ponder quilts recently? One significant factor contributing to this contemplation is the Walton reruns, while another notable reason is the beautiful quilt that was generously gifted to me by dear friends - Carol & Jeff - in celebration of my ordination as a deacon. This exceptional quilt not only offers warmth during the cold Northeast Ohio winter nights but also serves as a poignant symbol of the love I receive and the significance of reciprocating love in life. Almost every day, particularly as I prepare my bed in the morning, I not only remember the friends who presented the quilt to me but also keep in my thoughts and prayers all those who lack love and protection from the elements. In addition to the quilt that adorns my bed, I also have a quilt rack at the foot of my bed that holds three or four different quilts - each of varying shapes and sizes - that also encapsulate numerous memories.
As a teenager, our neighbor, Angela, instructed me in the art of sewing. Under her guidance, I crafted a small quilt using leftover fabric and old bedsheets. Additionally, Angela presented me with a stunning quilt to commemorate my high school graduation in 2011. This quilt was displayed at my graduation party, allowing attendees to inscribe words of inspiration and leave quotes for my future endeavors. These two quilts, alongside a t-shirt quilt showcasing significant events from my time at Ursuline High School, are prominently featured on the quilt rack at the foot of my bed. (Pictures of the beautiful quilt and Angela and I below are from 2011)
All the quilts I possess are not only exquisite pieces of art, but they also serve as reminders of the profound love I am blessed with, compelling me to extend that love to others. It wouldn't be surprising if you found yourself thinking, "I never considered a quilt in this manner before." This lack of surprise is understandable, as I too had never viewed a quilt through this lens until I received one for my ordination, along with a heartfelt note enclosed. The quilt, alongside the accompanying card - which I have kept in my nightstand drawer for moments when I need a gentle nudge - has profoundly shifted my perspective on life and love. It has remained a powerful source of inspiration throughout the past year.
As we near Holy Week and Easter, it's important to acknowledge that one's life, akin to the life of Jesus, has the potential to influence the world. The endeavors of The Walton's have also left a mark on the world. Retain the awareness that you are cherished and have a duty to spread that affection to others.
Love, Peace, and A Warm Quilt!
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