God, the Master Weaver

Back in college, my friends and I had a joke among ourselves that when we are asked what we were majoring in (what course we were taking), instead of our real course codes, like AB-OCM (Major in Organizational Communication) or BS-ECO (Major in Economics), our answer should be, “AB or BS - EXC” – that is, Major in Extra-Curricular Activities.  You see, we spent far more time in meetings, planning projects and executing them, than in our classrooms or in the library studying.  (But apart from Accounting and Calculus, I got pretty good grades in all my subjects and even made the Dean’s List one time!). 

My involvement in (and love for) extra-curricular activities began even in high school.  Through both stages of my school life, I was a member of multiple organizations and held multiple officer positions, simultaneously.  In short, I was well-trained in organizing activities and in juggling my time and responsibilities, doing everything as efficiently as possible.

Fast Forward to the Present.

Being very active in extra-curricular activities throughout my school life was no doubt part of God’s plan for me.  It was my “training” – to prepare me for the kind of ministry work that He had in store for me. 

Today, I find myself simultaneously involved in multiple ministries.  I’m always in meetings, planning projects/activities and executing them (sounds familiar?).  And since I’m studying again, it pretty much feels like being back in those days, balancing my study time, my extra-curricular activities and of course, my personal time. 

But more than being able to apply the time management training from all those years of extra-curricular activities in school, to all my involvements these days… what amazes me is, that my actual work in the school where I am employed at (my “paid” ministry) and the school where I volunteer in, specifically requires me to organize some extra-curricular activities for their students!  

How perfect is that!!! :-) :-) :-)

I am once again, in awe at having realized this recently.  It is really such a blessing to discover and witness God’s plan unfolding in your own life!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

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Sharing this poem I found online by an unknown author, which is perfect for this entry:

"The Plan of the Master Weaver"

Our lives are but fine weavings,
That God and we prepare,
Each life becomes a fabric planned
And fashioned in His care.
We may not always see just how
The weavings intertwine,
But we must trust the Master’s hand
And follow His design,
For He can view the pattern
From the upper side,
While we must look from underneath 
And trust in Him to guide.

Sometimes a strand of sorrow
Is added to His plan,
And though it’s difficult for us,
We still must understand
That it’s He who fills the shuttle,
It’s He who knows what’s best, 
So we must weave in patience
And leave to Him the rest…

Not till the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why—
The dark threads are as needed
In the Weaver’s skillful hand
And the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

- Anonymous