mend

 

The world and all that is in it, created, redeemed, and sustained by the triune God, is good. But it is easily and often torn. This is because the fabric of the world is meant to be soft, not hard like armour. The Son of God himself was torn.

We are called to mend the torn fabric of the world, according to our calling to be in the world in a particular way, or as a particular participation in the life of that creating, redeeming, sustaining God. Through carefully considered words, and caring actions.

It is said that a stitch, in time, saves nine. But one stitch is not very secure, and if it is not in keeping with the fabric, it spoils rather than enhances. Ten stitches are more likely to hold, and can be a thing of beauty in themselves. A daisy or a teapot; a leaf or a sun.

Do not ignore any tear you find in the fabric of the world (in a spouse, or a child, or a friend; in yourself, or your worst enemy; in the earth or sea or air; whether self-inflicted, or inflicted by another, or caused by your own clumsy handling) for it will only get larger.

But do not rush to mend it. Especially, do not rush to mend a person (including yourself). To do so will neither hold nor enhance. And do not trust anyone who claims to be able to fix any torn thing quickly; they will only cause more tears. Instead, observe the tear in the fabric, the way it runs. And forgive the fabric for tearing, for not being able to hold, for not bearing your weight day after day indefinitely. Forgive yourself, where necessary; and ask the fabric to forgive you, where appropriate. But do not rush to mend.

A stitch, in time, saves nine; but ten, in time, may better mend the fabric.