Pattern for Life

Today as I was changing the bed sheets, I decided to put Nate’s favorites on. They’re full of thin stripes in blues and greens, resembling a king size bar code. I like them, too, because there’s no doubt of which fitted corner goes where. Since king size mattresses are close-to-square, it’s a mental exercise to get it right… unless the sheets are striped. Then it’s easy.

I think Nate liked these sheets because stripes represented order. He liked things to be controlled and if possible, tidy, which was a problem with an often-chaotic life. Being the father of seven brings turbulence as well as blessings, and financial ups and downs compound the turmoil. At the end of a day filled with commotion when Nate turned down the bed and was greeted with his favorite striped sheets, it did something special for him. He never failed to comment: “Oh, I like these sheets,” as if they were brand new.

I guess I could have blessed him with nothing but striped sheets, had I taken time to listen to the longing behind his comments. If I’d known how soon he would be leaving this world, I’d have done it for sure.

Today as I unfurled the sheets, it occurred to me stripes had popped up in other categories of Nate’s life, too. His favorite suits were pin-striped, and the ties he wore most often included diagonal lines. His shirts also followed the pattern, with the exception of the plain white ones he felt obligated to wear in court. If given a choice, stripes or checks were what he bought. Not sometimes, but always.

I hadn’t thought about this phenomenon until today. Disorder was hard on Nate, and he worked at keeping his life prepared and well organized. Even at restaurants, as we awaited our meals, he’d unconsciously straighten his silverware and line up his glass and cup to make his area “square with the world.” Without realizing it, the rest of us often worked against his efforts with our free-wheeling ways.

Reality doesn’t usually look like a bar code or even a checkered shirt. A better description of most lives is “askew”. Emergencies throw our schedules overboard, and conversations don’t always turn out like we expect. Frequently events overlap, forcing us to arrive late, prepare inadequately or flip-flop priorities. Over-commitment often stretches people like gum under a shoe. After a day filled with that kind of disorder, striped bed sheets give a reason to heave a big sigh and climb in, hoping for a better tomorrow.

Sometimes I think of Nate’s longing for his life to be neat and orderly and I’m flooded with thankfulness for where he is today. Either his wish has come true, or he’s changed into someone who can live with carefree abandon as he discovers joy upon joy in heaven. Either alternative is fabulous.

One thing is certain. Because there’s no night there, he’ll never need bed sheets… striped or otherwise.

“There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.” (Revelation 22:5)

8 thoughts on “Pattern for Life

  1. Margaret, i am new to your site. It has enriched my thoughts and expanded my soul. it is so sweet to see that the Word in you has gifted you to use words. Lois

  2. I,like Nate, love “ordered” things! I thank the Lord for HIS perfect ordering of my life, even though it seems to me sometimes random and even chaotic. I am learning to see God’s will as “perfect” and as opportunities for growth and joy!

  3. I turned from this blog to Spurgeon’s Devotional for the day, and found these (fitting) words: When we first believe in Christ we see but little of Him. The higher we climb the more we discover of His beauties. But who has ever gained the summit? Who has known all the heights and depths of the love of Christ which passes knowledge? Paul, when grown old, sitting grey-haired, shivering in a dungeon in Rome, could say with greater emphasis than we can, “I know whom I have believed,” for each experience had been like the climbing of a hill, each trial had been like ascending another summit, and his death seemed like gaining the top of the mountain, from which he could see the whole of the faithfulness and the love of Him to whom he had committed his soul. Get thee up, dear friend, into the high mountain.”
    Isaiah 40:9

  4. Here in Africa, things are FAR from orderly. I often think, “What would Papa say right now about this?” Great blog, Mom. Looking forward to seeing you this fall.

  5. Today, as I sort through boxes of wet books and papers in our flooded basement and try to pack to leave town tomorrow, I feel a sense of panic. This post sure hits the bullseye! I think I will join Cathy and get some striped sheets. Now, if I only could find time to sleep! Thanks for the encouragement.

  6. Oops, I didn’t realize that Malin was still signed in. That last post was actually from me : )

  7. How interesting! I like stipes, too.
    In fact, i’ve been looking for a much-needed new sofa and was hoping for some
    stripes. But, alas, nearly everything
    down here is plain. Never thought about connecting the liking for stripes to liking order. Love your blogs and the insights you bring.