Quilting Class
Each week, I find myself joining in with chitter and chatter at the quilting class. Interestingly, Lil Sweet Pea is the reason why I’m there. About a year ago, she was pretty adamant on wanting to learn how to sew; so I found a good, ‘ol Kenmore machine on auction and brought the big brute home. Sewing cabinet and all. It sat in our kitchen for a few weeks as I kept my eye on her as she experimented with it every chance she got. What began as unidentifiable, experimental creations has now moved into beautiful doll clothing, coasters, zippered pouches and more. Now we find ourselves in a weekly quilting class. I realized it was a little out of the box when I approached the lady about a ten-year-old joining the class. It could pose a lot of problems, I suppose, such as inexperience, needing too much supervision, immaturity, and so on. Thankfully, she took a chance on Lil Sweet Pea and we’ve got a few sessions under our belt already. Aside from the simple fact that Lil Sweet Pea has already completed 2 small lap quilts; one a memory rag quilt she was making for a friend, she has gained a lot of experience of being with those who are more advanced than she is. I like to think she has added a little spice to the lives of the ladies who come, too. The most precious gift I have enjoyed seeing is the intergenerational exchange that is happening. Building relationships between the generations is a missing piece to society’s puzzle. We need the wisdom of the older and the zeal of the younger. It makes a great mix! Proverbs 14:4 says “Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.” If the mature aren’t willing to put up with the “mess” from the younger generation, they forfeit the zeal and energy the young ones possess. If the older generation are willing to be patient and open to the younger, they can pass on solid advice, life lessons and build meaningful friendships. There is a wealth of experience that can be gained by both. As the younger generation are patient and open to the ones who’ve walked through life longer, they too can experience a fuller life than expected.
I see these quilting ladies rallying around Lil Sweet Pea and doing what they can to pass on their encouragement and support in her life. She is building a network of people who believe in her and see greatness in her. I can think of some “older” friends I made when I was her age who I looked up to then and still do. It is always an honor to have those ladies pour into my life and show me the way. We are made to have friends of all ages. That is a healthy way to live life. We each have a part to play in making a difference, whether old or young. Genesis 2:18 says “It is not good that the man should be alone...” I’d like to venture out on a limb and say this doesn’t just apply to marriage. God made us to need each other. We need interaction and fellowship with each other. We are meant to live in community with one another.
Don’t believe all the reports that the “older” generation and the “younger” generation can’t get along. The generational gap is being closed in quilting class; and what a joy to see it happen before my eyes!