In Romans 8:28 we read, "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God."

A traveler was fascinated by the old wooden shuttles of a 3,000 year old carpet mill in Damascus, Syria.  The designs are handed down from one generation to another, and the instructions for their working are in script that looks like a sheet of music.  This is more than an accidental resemblance, for each carpet has a sort of tune of its own.  The thousands of threads are stretched on a great wooden frame.  Behind it, on a long bench, sit the workers.  The master in charge reads the instructions for each stitch in a strange chanting tone, each color having its own particular note.

Moving to the side of one of the weavers the traveler said, "That is a strange looking carpet you are weaving!"  "Stoop down and look underneath," was the reply.  He stooped.  The beautiful pattern was on the other side.

God who is the Great Weaver is busy with His plan for our life.  Let us not be impatient.  It is sufficient to know that we are part of God's plan and that God never errs.  Let us tune each experience to God's song, and wait for the light of later years... to reveal the incredible workings of His way with us.  Remember, "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God."

Prayer:  God of love, help us to trust your pattern for our lives and to seek your will.  Trust God.  And then ask, what would Jesus do?  We come to you, O God, at a time when much of our nation has been gripped by snow and cold.  Transform us into centers of warmth and growth that will radiate your presence into the world around us.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.