I have a top that has been a favorite for years, and I do mean years. It was a go-to when I worked and now has followed me into retirement. Only one problem, this favorite garment, has worn so thin that I can see through it. Small holes have appeared on the elbows and sprinkled along the hemline. But, and please hear a faint hint of whining, it’s my FAVORITE top and unfortunately the designer no longer carries them.

Now I need to be completely transparent, I have two others, the same style, different sizes, and of course different colors. One is in the same worn condition as my favorite. The other is almost new. You may be wondering, why not just wear the newish one? Great question, one problem, it’s too big. In my infinite wisdom, I purchased the items on sale. Liking the first I purchased the second and third. The pristine one is BIG. Oh, and it’s red – poor choice on my part. For some reason, I only feel comfortable wearing it on the 4th of July.

Anyway, back to the whining. The other day, I excitedly put on my favorite top and felt something strange on the elbow. The small hole that appeared the week before, gave way to what is now a half-inch rip. After recovering emotionally, I hid the rip by rolling up the sleeves. But a time is coming when I will no longer be able to hide the failing fabric.

So, I got an idea!

I’m a want-to-be seamstress. Thankfully, my sister is an accomplished yes-I-can seamstress. So, I took my favorite top to my sister’s house and shared my dilemma. She immediately found a large sheet of paper and began making a pattern. Then she ruffled through her fabric closet returning with a few yards of beautiful teal cotton fabric, I know, who has a closet full of fabric? I told you she was an ACCOMPLISHED seamstress! We then spent time cutting and pinning. It was fun watching a master work. She folded everything up, provided detailed instructions on how to assemble, and sent me on my way home to take the final step – sew all the pieces together.

I started pretty confident, simple straight seams, how hard could it be? But then the right side and left side didn’t align with the front panel. The arms required some major adjustments to make them fit with the armholes. And then there was the curved hem. I was going to have to tuck and twist while stitching a straight seam. What had appeared so simple had become a real challenge and my holey see-through favorite top was becoming more appealing.

Another reach out to my sister. She talked me through a strategy to tackle the challenges and with a fortified confidence, I sat at the table and sewed my new favorite top replacement. All done after about an hour of stitching. And then I held it up! 

I’m not certain what happened but the neckline was a little large. Ok, the neckline was ridiculously large. To get the sides to align, I had to adjust the shoulders. And I will admit, I adjusted them a little too much. Now the neckline was large enough to push a Bermease Mountain dog through. Unfortunately, I don’t own or know a Bermease Mountain dog, so I’m back at square one- my FAVORITE shirt is self-destructing and I have no replacement. I know what you’re thinking but NO, I can’t wear the BIG red one!

So, I got another idea! I could wear my favorite shirt under the wide-neck wonder! I’d get the comfy of my favorite and hide all the holes. And the pretty wide-necked new top covers all the imperfections of what’s lying underneath.

I think there is supposed to be a lesson in this little story. Some truly provocative truth to share and trust me when I tell you, I’m looking for it. But honestly, all I know is that I really liked my shirt. It was comfy on those challenging work days. And I love my favorite top replacement because it’s something my sister and I created. They both hold memories of difficult and precious times and somehow combining the two is the perfect outcome.

So, there may be something to consider from this little tale. How can we take what is broken and failing in our lives and cover it with God’s amazing love? How can we see the beauty in the broken and stay open and optimistic about the future? There is something in our seemingly warn-out days that we can see as beautiful and hold onto the memory while embracing today and looking forward to tomorrow. What is that for you?

Be Blessed His BeLOVED,