The Sewing Box

It was in the ’70’s when I got my first real job; something other than occasional babysitting. It was part-time after school, making $20.00 a week. Back in the ’70’s that was not bad at all. It felt so good being able to buy things myself. As Christmas neared, excitement grew as I knew I could purchase presents for my family from my own saved money.

As I shopped around my eyes fell on something beautiful; a sewing box. I just knew my mother would love a new sewing box. Hers was worn and a bit tattered. This new sewing box was blue and white wicker with a braided handle, and the lid was embroidered with flowers of different colors. It was beautiful and my heart was happy. I looked at the price tag — $14.00 — over half my weekly salary. It was an expensive gift to me, but I joyfully made the purchase.

I can still picture my mother’s smile when she opened her present on Christmas morning. The expense had been worth it. We moved a lot in those days because of my father’s Air Force career, so I took it upon myself to carefully take charge of wrapping my mother’s sewing box. I found the right size box, scrunched up newspapers to pad the box and gently set it in. The treasured sewing box was secure, ready to present to my mother again.

This story of the sewing box rushed to the forefront of my memories this week as I read Isaiah 40:11, He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart (NLT). Jesus is our Shepherd and all we who know Him are His sheep. We are precious to Him. We know that because He paid a great price for us: it was His own blood on the cross where He paid the penalty for our sins. He treasures us. We are precious to Him. For all our days on earth He holds us close to His heart so that one day He may present us unharmed to His Father who also counts us as lovely treasured ones.

I took care of the sewing box for my mother. Jesus takes care of us for His Father. Both cost so much. Both are treasured. Whatever you are facing today, may you rest in Jesus’ arms, peaceful, secure, knowing you are precious to Him.

One thought more — my mother still has that sewing box. It’s well worn and rather worse for wear, but it’s still a treasure to her. As days, months, and years pass by, you and I are also worn, tired, perhaps slower in movement; rather worse for wear, but we are no less treasured by Jesus. The day is coming close when we will look upon His face. Oh, what a day of rejoicing that will be!