The Weaver

I’m putting this up for those who haven’t heard it before, and for those who have. It’s worth a read. It’s worth multi-reads. It delivers an especially helpful perspective to anyone facing doubt, confusion, challenge – anyone just wondering where life all fits together.

The poem was written by Grant Colfax Tullar (1869 – 1950). At least, that’s what Wikipedia claims, although I see it has also been credited to Benjamin Franklin and Corrie ten Boom. The latter certainly didn’t write it, but she used it in her books and presentations and, if you know anything about ten Boom, you’ll appreciate why. Anyway, my money is on Tullar, who, Wikipedia says, was an American minister, composer, and hymn writer, whose “most famous [work] is the poem The Weaver“.

Whoever wrote it, it’s going to be difficult for me to get their permission; but I’m sure copyright won’t mind if I present it here. Be encouraged, even if you’ve already drunk of it before.

My life is but a weaving
Between my God and me.
I cannot choose the colours
He weaveth steadily.

Oft’ times He weaveth sorrow;
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper,
And I the underside.

Not ’til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly,
Will God unroll the canvas
And reveal the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful
In the weaver’s skilful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

He knows, He loves, He cares;
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives the very best to those
Who leave the choice to Him.

Thank you, Mr Tullar.