According to legend February 2 is the day in which Shadows and Sunshine determine exactly what our perspective will be for the next 6 weeks! Should the groundhog peek out from his musty little hole in the ground on a cloudy day and actually LEAVE his burrow then that departure signifies a shortened winter for us. However, should he pop his head out only to discover a sunny day and in so doing encounter his shadow, he quickly retreats back in the security of his cold and damp little sanctuary and we will have another 6 weeks of winter.
 |
| looks like another striped washcloth, right? |
 |
| but just like life, it's all a perspective thing! |
This play of Light on Life has left it's mark not only on town squares throughout the course of time, but it also has warmed its way into the craft world as well. For quilters there are dozens of options stitched around Shadows and Sunshine, Sunbonnet Sues and Sams, Shadow Quilting, etc. For embroderiers there is the soft and delicate art to shadow embroderiery - - the faintest of color is outlined on the surface of the fabric, and the shadow from beneath is pulled ever so gently to kiss the underside so that just a hint of color is suggested. And for knitters there are pattern out now for Shadow or Illusion Knitting as well ... which is achieved simply through the use of 2 colors and a re-arrangement of the Knits and Purls on each row. Why not whip up a few of these sweet little hearts, tuck them in a basket with some delicate little heart soaps and send a valentine wish to a dear friend? to your mom or favorite teacher? to your next door neighbor or your grandmother ... or better yet. Why not do one for YOU! Whether you use it in the tub .. or to scrub the next stack of dirty dishes, you will always be reminded that for every shadow we may encounter in our day there is always Sunshine just waiting to peek out!
Shadows are not always a bad thing .... the Psalmist has verse upon verse penned, of finding peace and safety in the shadow .. it would appear that unlike the groundhog, he really didn't mind 6 more weeks of winter ... but rather ran to the Protection and Repose that was afforded by the Shadow of the Lord's Almighty Hand.
Psalm 17:8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 27:9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.
Psalm 57:1 When he had fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. [For the director of music. (To the tune of])"Do Not Destroy." Of David. A miktam.]
Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Ruth 2:12 May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."
So ... will tomorrow bring us 6 more weeks of winter .... or perhaps just another month of cold and rain? Does it really matter? I've got milk and bread, yarn and needles and the gift of dear friends to share my knitting with. I know the Peace that passes understanding .... and i recognize the Shadow to run towards - -
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the
Father of the heavenly lights,
who does not change like shifting shadows.
(James 1:17)
No comments:
Post a Comment