chaotic lines interweaving to receive communion

I've reflected on the beauty of needlework before
how on one side the pattern and picture is so clear and yet on the other there is this jumble of string crisscrossing and knoted and frayed
how this is a metaphor for me as to how we have one perspective and yet the Master Weaver has another

Last night as I was in line to receive communion I found beauty in the chaos that ensues when we allow people to come forward at their own initiative to partake the elements.  I leaned over and said to my friend who was there for the first time that this is chaotic and messy just as all really holy things are (i was thinking particularly of the Incarnation with the mess of child birth and a stable as we were taking part in a Christmas service).

As we stood patiently in a line for a long time watching lines curl in upon themselves, how the lines crossed each other, how new people entered midline... i felt as if I was observing something beautiful

After receiving the bread and wine and upon returning to my seat - crisscrossing the line again and climbing over people to find my place - i recollected the needlework metaphor and was struck again by how from the perspective of those of us in these knotted and twisted and swerving  lines there was disorganization and confusion and mess, but that on the other side of things... ahead, where we could not see to observe, there was something beautiful and holy occuring as each person heard "this is the body of Christ broken for you" and "this is the blood of Christ poured out for you" and then as each responded with "amen" receiving this deep identification and fellowship and communion

In the midst of chaos and confusion and situations that push me to become impatient, may i look for and expect that the sacred is occuring somewhere close by

and in that spirit of faith may i become patient seeking clarity and contentment - prayerfully whispering and longing looking for thy will to be done