My calling to fashion design was a surprise. By the time it came His hand was evident. He’d revealed Himself in other ways that were clear to friends and loved ones.
Nevertheless, it was serious shift. I had a lot to learn and I wasn’t comfortable taking the usual road or capturing an outfit of the day for social media. I felt He desired more from me.
I started reading sewing sites and asking questions. After a while I began purchasing the tools I needed. Then I realized I’d mistakenly tossed the sewing feet with the machine I’d received. It was a gift. Thankfully, replacements were available.
Then I received a notification on a machine I was watching on Amazon. The price was a record low. I had a gift certificate. The difference in price was the identical amount for the replacement feet. So I purchased a new machine instead.
The new year came and Karl died. I felt tremendous grief at the loss of his creative genius. Reading the tributes was astounding. No two said the same. He did so much they couldn’t capture it in one sitting. He milked his talent to the bone.
That was the turning point. I found myself researching a woodworking class out of the blue. Even though I knew what existed in the city. I found an obscure reference to one in my area. I was shocked. I grabbed the last spot. Then I signed up for a sewing class.
When I met with my woodworking instructor. He asked what I wanted to make. I assumed we’d have class projects. But that wasn’t his style. When he asked what I wanted. I had an answer. Then he said, “you got a picture?” I pulled out my tablet and showed him. He laughed and said, “let’s do it.”
He went on to inform me that he’d had another student who made sewing furniture in his class. She was the lone one who did. My sewing class started a little later and I hit it off with the instructor.
I signed up for the next session and changed days. Our connection continued to blossom. I was stacking classes at that point. I mentioned moving to a different time that would give me a shorter day. She agreed and the stage was set for God to show out.
One day a classmate asked how my project was coming along. I showed her pictures. One of the students casually asked. “Who is your teacher?” I replied. Then she asked, “where are you taking classes?” I answered.
Then she walked towards me carrying her phone and casually said, “I know him.” She handed me the phone bearing the pictures of the pieces she’d made. They mirrored the ones in the wood shop.
I said, “I know you!” “He told me about you.” Then she laughed. My instructor looked at me. She smiled and nodded quietly. By this point we’d shared our stories and I discovered she’s a believer. I was moved to the advanced class because she felt I could handle it.
I knew what she was thinking. My spirit was doing backflips. The likelihood of that coincidence was next to none. But God arranged it. He wasn’t done. He’d provided someone to build a custom studio piece. And I was led to another who believed in Him as did most of my classmates. The atmosphere is wonderful.
I was content with this. But the crescendo was coming. It arrived on a flyer for an upcoming workshop. There’s a picture of a student who took classes with her. Someone mentioned her out of the blue. I heard them inquire about her time in London. Is she enjoying herself?
Then they said, she’s studying fashion design. My teacher shared the classes she’d taken and her decision to go to school overseas. And she looked at me. My eyes were glistening. She squeezed my hand and smiled.
The magnitude of what He’s done hit me later on. This is destiny in the making. Long before I found my way back to Him. He was developing my eye. Recognizing the steps He’s taken to bring me where I stand is overwhelming. And I’ve come full circle. He’s made use of everything.
I’ve never doubted my calling. I often looked for evidence in the past. I see traces of fingerprints hinting at today in my childhood. It’s comforting.
But this wasn’t my starting point. I served in places that weren’t related to my purpose. They provided experiences and tools I’d need. However, it didn’t feed my heart. The meantime is important nonetheless. It teaches you to wait and look to Him for guidance. He becomes your compass.
Delays and setbacks have a purpose. You will grow in gratitude and contentment if you’re wise and willing to forbear the discomfort for the lesson it provides. Stick with it.
~Bella
