The call from Victoria came late one night last month. I guess the phrase ‘late at night’ has a different meaning for everyone.

For me, it’s as soon as it gets dark.

“I need a sewing machine,” my youngest daughter said.

“I’ll get you one for Christmas.”

“No, I need it now. I looked online and Walmart sells them so I’m going to buy one tonight. It’s ridiculous to buy clothes when you can make them. I’ve already found several patterns online.”

“What are you avoiding?” I asked.

“Well, I do have an exam tomorrow.”

I’ll spare you the conversation that followed, but in the end Victoria studied and surprised herself with a very high grade on her exam.

Later in the month, she found a sewing machine under the Christmas tree and spent much of her break learning how to use it.

She has progressed from making scarves to finding items at Goodwill that she redesigns and wears.

Listening to her explain all of her projects reminded me of something I read. The author said that people who sew really have vision.

They take perfectly good pieces of fabric, cut it up, and then believe that they will sew them together to produce a better functioning product. Personally, my success in sewing was the result of having a good pattern and a set of instructions to follow.

In the same way, when I apply the Word of God (my pattern and instruction manual) to my life, I am changed.

When I ask God to search my heart and show me areas to focus on, I am often surprised by the things that still need to be cut away, the attitudes I need to turn around, or even some of the new things He wants to add to the fabric of my life.

And when I submit to His plan, the results always leave me better than before.

I recently received another late (after dark) FaceTime call from Victoria.

“I’m in Polk Hall hiding under the stairs,” she said, laughing. As soon as my granddaughter Charlie saw Victoria, she stopped crying and started laughing, too.

“What are you avoiding?” I asked.

“It’s my first night class. The professor is only on the fourth slide and I can already tell I’m not going to like this class. Not sure if I’m going to stay.”

I was not nearly as amused by Victoria’s call as Charlie. And even though I trust that God has a pattern, a wonderful plan, for Victoria’s life, I couldn’t resist adding my own instruction.

“Get back in there before the fifth slide!”

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.