Quilt House

In my neighborhood, there is a run-down Victorian house that wears chipping gray paint, falling down gutters, a sagging front step and the most beautiful collection of quilts I’ve ever seen.

On my evening walk, I look for the newest masterpiece that hangs on the gray house, under the eaves of the wrap-around porch. Each month, the owner displays a new full-size, handmade quilt showcasing brilliant patterns and vibrant colors. They are masterpieces.

One night while walking by, I noticed a young disabled woman sitting on the front porch. “Are you the quilter?” I asked. “No, my mother is,” she answered. “They are beautiful,” I said. “Thank you,” she replied.

Tonight I noticed a new appliquéd quilt adorning the porch. I thought (again) how I’d like to meet this woman. I know already that I like her. I feel we may be kindred spirits. I understand the ingrained need to create. I can’t go long without acting on it. Otherwise, things get really ugly with me.

It’s been four days now. I’ve surpassed ugly. I’m no fun to be around. I know this about myself. This happens most every Thursday. I race through the first part of the week trying to accomplish everything on my “To Do List” (and everyone else’s “To Do List for Me”) and I fail miserably. Then I start kicking myself for not being the version of myself they want me to be.

In the book The Happiness Project, author Gretchen Rubin suggests that we each make a list of our own personal Ten Commandments. Her #1? “Be Gretchen.” I liked that. In fact, when I read that while on vacation, I decided my #1 would be: “Be Mary.” (Ah, the best laid plans are always made on vacation, huh?) So, yeah. I’m not doing a very good job at that lately.

Who ever would have guessed that being ourselves would become so difficult? Kids don’t have a problem with it. The big challenge (as adults) is trying to be ourselves while trying to balance real life. Bills. Jobs. Needs of our dependents. Laundry. Dinner. Groceries. Cleaning. Etc. Who has time (or energy) after all that to nurture oneself? Shheeesh.

I was thinking about all this when I passed the Quilt House tonight. That house reminds me that it’s okay to let the paint peel and front porch sag a little—as long as you are giving yourself permission to show your true colors. That’s the only way we can shine. That's the only way that we can become the brilliant and amazing individuals that God envisioned when He created us. Become the masterpiece and happiness won't have to be a project anymore, right? How are you going to let your light shine today?