After the indulgence of Sunday, I took a couple more days off. Well, I’ve been working a few hours each day, but allowed myself some waking hours not to work. Vacation kind of is wasted on me, it seems. But I could get used to this time for reflection and renewal.
The Virtues Project continues, of course.
Last week I mentioned that forgiveness is hard for me and the stitchery has been no different. To begin with, the font is non-intuitive. Normally, a chart makes sense after brief study and the alphabet flows from the needle with just intermittent glances at the grid. However, every little square of this one feels unfamiliar. You’ll see below that the spacing (kerning) has also been a challenge.
Worse yet, though? I misspelled forgiveness, skipping the v and the e and hopping straight to the n. Actually, I should make mistakes like this more often, given the way I hold my fabric (rolled up, gripped in one hand and tensioned in the other; no hoop). But, in terms of the message that opened up, the error didn’t bug me in the least. This strip is dedicated to forging forgiveness, with statements on mercy already planned to come after this.
And isn’t that how forgiveness happens? Sure, most transgressions can be put into perspective easily and we ignore-forgive or we quickly-forgive without missing a beat. However, there are those times when forgiveness is the last thing on one’s mind. It takes time, it takes thought, and sometimes it takes an olde-timey parley to reach any chance of forgiving. We have to forge the forgiveness by weakening steely resolves and carefully rebuilding the relationship.
On the other hand, I was looking forward to leaving this font behind soon. I must admit that it slowed me down enough to contemplate this virtue at the right time in a deeper way. Perhaps finishing this piece will heal even more? My minimal hope is that I spell forgiveness correctly this time.
Brilliant! So right for you (I think) So right for all of us!
So well put. I’d never thought of it that way but now that I think of it forging forgiveness is so apt.
even your “mistakes’ amaze me!
well said (stitched) C!
donna
i love how you turn lemons into lemonade! or since it is purple… grapes into wine! xoxo
Leave it to Michele to get in the first comment! Early bird gets the worm.
This was a very thought-provoking post. Makes me think I could use a little cross stitch in my life. But then again, I’d rather poke a needle in my eye.
Ah, yes. Forging ahead. Glad you are thinking healing thoughts.
I love how this worked out. You’re right. Forgiveness doesn’t always come easy.
Just look at how much inner study this project has given you thus far. Your spirit seems to take every opportunity to learn and grow! And to add to the colloquialisms, you’ve just turned a sow’s ear into a silk purse. . .
Ah, this is so timely. I’ll be spending the weekend with family and there’s lots of forgiveness that needs to happen, on all sides. I love your words “We have to forge the forgiveness by weakening steely resolves and carefully rebuilding the relationship.” That’s exactly what I’m going to concentrate on!
Yes, forgiveness is a weighty issue and not easy breezy. It takes time, attention, and determination, among other things. I love how crafting can be a great way to think and work through things going on in our minds and hearts. It’s better than a therapist, sometimes!
I enjoyed your post today. Made me think about my own life. Thank you.
So true and appropriate. I’ve reached acceptance but I’m still trying to forge forgiveness on an issue. Thanks for this timely if not intended message.
I’m sure it must be a metaphor, but I’m no good with metaphors.
i came over through wanett, and i’m in love with your quilts. your use of language is enough to get me started on some squares.