Just the other day, I was doing some spring cleaning—yes, I do spring cleaning in December because, why not. I came across a quilt that was gifted to me by an amazing lady in our church. As I unfolded it, memories of the day she gave it to me came flooding back. I remembered her asking me what my favorite color was and what designs or pictures I might want on the quilt. Honestly, I didn’t have much of a preference, so I told her, “Just add a butterfly.” I left the rest—the colors, patterns, and details—in her hands. When she later presented the finished quilt to me, it was stunning. The patchwork was vibrant, intricate, and beautiful, and right there in the middle was a delicate butterfly, a small but meaningful symbol stitched into its fabric.
As I looked at the quilt that day, my eyes lingered on the butterfly. It wasn’t just a design—it held a deeply personal reminder for me. The butterfly has always symbolized transformation for me – a coming out of darkness and into light, a growth that happens through deep, intentional healing.
As I stared at that butterfly on the quilt, it reminded me of the beauty that can emerge from the darkest seasons. I was struck by how something as simple as a quilt—crafted with care, love, and intention—can tell a story. Each piece of fabric, each stitch, represents something unique, yet when brought together, creates a masterpiece.
This past year has felt much like a quilt for many of us—a patchwork of experiences sewn together. Some squares were vibrant with joy: new adventures, time spent with loved ones, or personal achievements. Others were darker, reflecting loss, hardship, or uncertainty. And then there were the quieter, softer squares—those in-between moments where life may have felt uneventful, but God was working behind the scenes, calling us to rest, reflect, or look inward.
The Bible reminds us in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Each of the patchwork squares, whether joyful, challenging, or quiet, has its purpose. Together, they form the story of the year now ending. In them, we can see God’s hand—guiding us, comforting us, and teaching us to grow.
As we step into the new year, the question becomes: What parts of this year’s quilt will we carry with us to help us grow and to help others? Some of the most exquisite quilts I’ve seen are those that use pieces of old fabric, repurposed to create something new. In the same way, the lessons we’ve learned, the joys we’ve experienced, and even the strength we’ve gained in seasons of waiting or stillness can shape the year ahead.
The apostle Paul writes in Philippians 3:13-14: “But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Paul’s words encourage us not to let the past hold us back, but to carry forward what God has taught us and press ahead with purpose.
For those who had a quieter year, take heart in knowing that the “in-between” times are not wasted. God often uses seasons of rest and stillness to draw us closer to Him, to deepen our faith, and to prepare us for what lies ahead. Just as a quilt’s muted squares bring balance and beauty to the whole, the quieter seasons of life are essential to our journey.
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, let us pause to give thanks to God. Let us thank Him for walking with us through every square of this year, for the strength He has provided, and for the beauty He is weaving from all our experiences. And let us pray for wisdom to enter the new year with open hearts, ready to grow, serve, and love more deeply.
May this next year be one where we “let our light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16), so that through our lives, others may see and glorify God. Like a quilt stitched with care and meaning, may the year ahead be a testament to God’s grace and faithfulness.
Happy New Year, and may God bless you abundantly in 2025!
Maria Kisekka is Children’s Ministry Director at Koinonia Church in Hanford, CA. She can be reached at maria@kchanford.com or at 559-582-1528.