All year long, I’ve been working on an embroidery project. In fits and starts as I find my hands free throughout the week, I pick it up and add some more stitches.
Here a little, there a little, it’s coming together. And gradually, all those tiny stitches added together are starting to take shape and turn into a beautiful handwork project that someday soon we’ll be able to display on our walls.
It’s the same with our lives.
The little choices we make. The habits we form. The decisions we make… these all add to the canvas of our lives.
By themselves, the little daily choices and decisions might not seem like they really matter. But they do.
Don’t give up! Don’t stop inching forward. Keep making wise choices, keep exercising discipline, and keep developing good habits.
It will add up to a beautiful masterpiece… a life well lived.
Missy Homemaker says
What a sweet post. You are so right. As long as we keep moving forward, little by little, we’ll get wherever it is we’re going.
Laura G. says
Thanks, Crystal, I just really needed to read this today! Have a blessed Christmas season.
Crystal says
Thank you so much for your kind encouragement!
Challice says
Very beautiful post. And your stitches are very precise! Well done.
Crystal says
I’ll have to post the finished embroidery when it’s done… because I’m determined that I’m actually going to *finish* it (unlike way too many other sewing project ideas I’ve started in the past!)
Turner says
I’ve been curious about your embroidery project for awhile. Thanks for showing it!
Crystal says
It’s almost done now… this was what it looked like near the beginning of the year. 🙂
Lindsey says
This was sweet.=) Very true and yet, so so easy to forget. Thanks for the sweet reminder.
Crystal says
You are so very welcome!
Dawn says
YES!!
Remember those tiny goals I set for myself last year? Well, I accomplished 2 of them!! HA!! But those are 2 things I won’t have to conquer again…or maybe I will. Every year I learn more and more that it isn’t about perfection, but it IS about being where He has called me to be, doing what He has called me to do, and giving it my ALL.
Crystal says
Congratulations on hitting two of your tiny goals! Yay!!!
Jaime says
This article, as well as the one about your writing voice, were beautifully written. I think you’ve really found a way to make your message feel more heartfelt and welcoming. I always appreciate the encouragement you offer on your blog.
Crystal says
Thank you so much for your kind encouragement!
Victoria says
I so agree. All year long I carry a purse full of dish cloth cotton and my knitting needles. I knit while my husband drives. I knit as I watch soccer and gymnastics (because I can knit a dish cloth without looking since I have been making them for 14 years). I knit while I am at coffee with a friend. And then every November I get out all the dish cloths I have made that year, and I am always amazed to see 3 full bins, close to 100 dish cloths each year. I give away half as gifts and sell the other half to pay for next years yarn and so the cycle begins. Little moments here and there, do add up.
Holly says
That’s so neat!! I always want to have dishcloths on hand to give as gifts. I do usually pack a knitting project, just something other than dishcloths. Your having nearly 100 is amazing, though. If I only knit during car rides, I’d have plenty I’m sure!
Luba says
Victoria, once I visited a Bible study group and a lady was there knitting the entire time while chatting with everyone in the room (it was a small group). You have inspired me to learn to knit. People appreciate homemade gifts, it seems since it shows you put your time and effort into it. Thank you!
Crystal says
When I grow up, I want to be like you, Victoria. You are such an inspiration!
Challice says
One day I would like to branch out of dishcloths. New things daunt me. I have this pattern (well, a whole book full of them!) that I want to try but still stick with my dishcloths. LOL
Katie says
I like this analogy. I think it applies to when we make mistakes too. Sometimes we’re not paying attention and we make a little error, or the thread gets caught. It’s a pain to go back and take out those stitches, but it’s better to have noticed the error, rather than go on and finish the project without fixing it – I always think of the adage – a stitch in time saves nine. Moving forward is always a great place to keep your focus! Many thanks!
Crystal says
Yes! So very true.
Thanks for commenting!
Denise says
I started a wedding cross-stich thing 3 years ago…I really need to get it out and keep working on it even though it frustrates me! Maybe it will help me learn some patience? Thanks!
Crystal says
Cross-stitch is definitely for the patient person… which is why I usually stick with embroidery or knitting. 🙂
brenda says
I have to say this was very profound for me today! It seems like we aren’t moving ahead. The more we try . . . but it is true. Each little step we take forward will eventually get us there! Thank you for sharing this!
Crystal says
Yes! It might not feel like progress but it’s making a difference!
sarah says
Just the encouragement I needed today. Thank you.
Crystal says
You are so very welcome!