patterns
Have you ever noticed patterns? They might be those personal morning habits of stretching, arms held high before we crawl out of bed, grabbing the toothbrush to scrub fresh breath in our mouths or putting on the kettle for that morning cup of caffeine. Maybe it’s not just the routine of our day, but something noticeable in nature such as the symmetry of a mountain range, the ripples on the water or trees planted in a row along the lane. God created patterns on the feathers of the sparrow, the wings of a butterfly and the cinnamon stripes on a soft kitten.
There are also negative patterns in our world. The incessant need to check our text messages, to grab a pill when there’s a pain or snapping back in anger when we see injustices. The Ojibway have a beautiful way of weaving a pattern of positive values into the hair of a braid.
Each strand represents a human quality to be carried through the day and into a person’s life. As each stand is woven, the person weaving meditates that quality as the process of a single braid is achieved. One braid might be love, honesty and faith. Another might be spirit, body and mind as one. The person weaving asks the Creator for guidance and uses the strand as a daily prayer. This visible reminder represents those positive human qualities and one should daily seek those values. Jesus often slipped away to pray. (Luke 5:16)
We can pick what we ponder and pray about. We can establish positive habits. We can choose not to conform to the patterns of this world. (Romans 12:2) Moses brought the 10 commandments down from the mountain to establish a pattern of living for the Israelites. The early church established a pattern as well by
Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:25
And so, as we move through our days, continue some of our quirky habits, let us encourage each other, meet, laugh and talk together and develop positive patterns in our daily lives. Are you ready to add a beautiful habit in the pattern of your life’s tapestry?