My old sewing machine sits in the laundry room for me to see several times a week. With patterns from the companies of Simplicity, Butterick, McCall’s, and Vogue, I was able to make clothes for myself in the fabric of my choosing.
Patterns were meant for repeated use so when an outfit was completed, I would carefully fold the papers, trying to keep the original folds so it would all fit back into the envelope.
The memory brings me to thinking about another pattern:
“Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me – a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:13, NLT)
Pattern, as used in this verse and defined in the New Testament Lexical Aids, is “a delineation, a sketch, a concise representation or form, an example.”
Paul had taught young Timothy important beliefs, as his desire was for Timothy to use those same teachings as a model, a pattern, in his own ministry. Timothy would teach those same biblical doctrines but with the freedom to express it with his own personality.
I have the blessing of having been born into a family whose members loved God. I have been given a pattern to follow as truth was laid out in my life daily.
My life may not look quite the same as any of my family members, but the same pattern has been the foundation from which the fabric of my life has been cut. And I pray the same pattern has been repeated in the lives of my children.
Those very deliberate means by which my young heart formed its belief, and began its own journey of faith, became the pattern by which I lived when the storms of life howled. I held onto them as my protection, and my security. They were the one constant in my life when everything was shifting.
The pattern in many ways, determined the outcome,
for my heart was pinned to His.
May we keep the pattern of sound teaching, and use the pattern repeatedly to shape the lives of our children. Our lives are the pattern they will need to see today so they will make the right choices tomorrow.
Hold on to the pattern.
*This is a edited post from 2014.
Today I am joining … Tell His Story and Purposeful Faith and Grace Full Tuesday and InstaEncouragements .
I’m no seamstress, but I know the importance of patterns, and I appreciate this encouragement to be mindful of what I’m setting up for future generations.
Hold onto the pattern. What a great challenge paired with your description of sewing patterns. It brought back memories of my mom when she sewed. Happy 4th to you!
“Hold on to the pattern.” <”” I like this Joanne!
I also have been blessed to have this wonderful heritage of a pattern in my life. Now, it is our job to be that pattern to the next generation. The task is great. The need is greater!
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Patsy, yes, the need is greater! May we be faithful!
I remember those patterns, too. It was always like a puzzle when I’d use the patterns and lay out and cut the cloth. That was the fun part. 🙂 I’m grateful, too, for having family patterns that were healthy and godly. Even though we have to adapt to fit our own bodies (lives), it’s great to have that pattern to follow.
I love that NLT translation, Joanne — it gives me a fresh perspective on a well-loved verse. It also reminds me of the privilege I have of modeling a pattern for my children. What a blessing and an honor.
Thank you for bringing this piece back to encourage us today.
Blessings to you!