When It Just Fits

You know that moment when the stars align, you’re in the right place at the right time, and something seems to fall into place so easily that you stand back and say…this was meant for me?

Do you also know that moment when the stars align, you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, and something seems to randomly befall you making you stand back and say…why did this happen to me?

I have been the person standing there asking both of those questions in my life, as I am sure many of you have.  This could be my age, or the fact that my boys seem to be growing at an unprecedented rate causing major reflection on my part, but I’ve been contemplating another question for a while, How did I get here?

It seems as though I could drop a marker at any point in my life and trace the steps to the destination.  Every moment, every experience, every heartache, every job, every struggle, every joyful revelation, and even every math class has brought me to this moment right now.

Whoever thought I would really use that math class?  I guess it really wasn’t a waste of time.

As I carefully cut each of these pieces and fit them into the pattern I began to really think about how He, in his infinite wisdom, has been shaping me all these years as His own piece of artwork.

( I know this is not a religious blog, and I promise I’m all about home decor, but I’ve challenged myself to share more of “me” around here.)

I began to think about the evidence of God’s hands in my life…

Sitting next to Claudette at lunch, who ate egg salad sandwiches with her mouth open while talking to me every day my entire 2nd grade school year, taught me I can choose to be kind in almost any situation.

Shining the flashlight at night into the rafters of the barn while my brother shot at barn swallows blowing holes in the roof, taught me asking for forgiveness may make your heart feel heavy in the moment but will always lead to a lighter heart later.

Moving five times during my school years taught me that I can make a friend any time, anywhere.  If you ever see me somewhere, come sit by me because I’ll talk to you. 🙂

Deciding I needed an all over curly perm my freshman year in high school taught me to have the kind of patience it takes to watch grass grow (or hair).

Stepping out of bounds during my floor exercise routine at the state gymnastics finals (known as choking under pressure) taught me even great disappointment has an expiration date.

Failing college Algebra and having to retake the class, not once but twice, taught me that I can persevere in the face of great adversity.

Giving birth to two children and walking the path of motherhood has taught me that I have an ability to love at a level that far surpasses my own understanding.

Starting this blog on a whim one summer day has taught me I still have something new to contribute and something important to say.

Each of these occurrences, good or bad, fit together to make me exactly who I am today.  Just like all the moments in your life have brought you to this moment right now.  The moments of our lives are like these paint sticks shaped and placed together to make a piece of art.

You, my friend, are a magnificent piece of art that couldn’t ever be duplicated in the exact same way. For you have been shaped by the Artist.  Each piece carefully crafted through every experience to make a pattern unmistakably you.

Never underestimate your worth.  Never.

If you want to create your own paint stick art, I’ve included some directions for you below.

Supplies:  Paint sticks sold in packs from Home Depot, Wood Glue, 1/4″ plywood, Miter Saw, Jig Saw, 1×4 boards for frame, nails or nail gun for building frame.

Start laying out your pattern on the plywood.  There are so many patterns you can choose because everything fits together because of the 45 degree angles.

Once all the pieces are put in place, glue them with wood glue and let them dry over night.  Use a jig saw around the edges to make a straight cut all the way around the plywood.  I stained mine with my favorite new stain with oil finish from Homestead House in Cappuccino.

Assemble a simple frame by making straight cuts to frame out the artwork and nail together.  Add a hanging thingy (what’s the official name for these?) to the back and hang on the wall.  Enjoy!

I hope you have an awesome day my friends.  I so appreciate the time you spend here on Slightly Coastal.

P.S.  I had an egg salad sandwich for the first time in my life two years ago…it took me that long to get over it.  Seriously.