In Psalm 139 we read that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, knit together in our mother’s womb. I love that we are each a piece of God’s knitting!
Kind of like a big collection of peggy squares, all different patterns, colours and sizes, bound together into a colourful blanket of gloriousness!
She describes fingernail marks dragging behind as she reluctantly made her way northwest not convinced she would be a Coast dweller. But God had different ideas, and soon she knew in the deepest recesses of her heart she would teach at Cobden School, drawn to those who struggled academically, and those who needed someone to believe in them. This was her place, her purpose, her calling. It’s here her light shines brightest, with pupils and teachers alike experiencing the flame of her passion and lilt of her laughter. It’s no surprise that Cobden School is the last remaining school in the area to welcome the Bible in Schools programme.
Married to Andreas and mum to their four creative and inspiring adult children, when asked where “home” is Michelle is thoughtful for a moment. Geographically it's Ōtepoti, Dunedin, where she spent her early life and where many of her family live. But home, she says, is wherever she is, where the couch is, and where she can be herself.
As we meander through memories, Michelle fingers her tattoo, treasured both because of its meaning and because it’s the highly skilled work of their second son. It features a Eurasian Owl, wise and wide-eyed, nestled amongst four brightly coloured daisies representing each of her children. The centre of each daisy is vermillion, matching the owl’s distinctive eyes in beautiful symbolism of the heritage she passes to each, and the reflection of herself in them.
On the mantelpiece with a mosaic of family photos, intriguingly are rows of Lego figurines. She pauses to pick out various ones she associates with people she loves. Kermit the Frog with his banjo, like a son living life to his own rhythm; a figure in armour reminding her of the spiritual battle; and the Muppet drummer “Animal” whom she likens to herself – a little crazy, disturbing the peace but having fun.
As we talk of roots and life-shaping circumstances, this life verse choice makes so much sense. Michelle is passionate about her cultural heritage from her dad. He is a courageous yet humble Chinese man who provided stability for the family at a tough time, and emulated a strong work ethic born of his own harrowing experience growing up in China. “My father is Chinese,” says Michelle, “so therefore I am Chinese." While knowing she was loved, those words seldom passed her father’s lips, but rather life was lived in a way that would “make dad proud," communicated through her mum. It was the Chinese way. Making dad proud was a way to connect and, while powerful, had its downsides, leaving a legacy of Martha-ism: seeking to do things to make her Heavenly Father proud too. What a work of grace then, as Michelle has learned to sit still, stop wriggling, and let her Father love her just as she is, precious in his sight, without any "doing" needed.
Michelle knows her faith journey is not one to do alone, and doing life with other believers is central to her walk, whether that be through small groups, prayer teams, gatherings to worship at Cobden, or events that bring folk together. She loves to meet the practical needs of others and holds loosely to “stuff" – preferring to share with those who need it more.
Coffee with Michelle reminds me powerfully that our hand-knitted peggy piece always turns out a little different than we would have planned for ourselves. It might have some knots, some unexpected colour joins, some dropped stitches and some added ones. But God is knitting a thing of beauty and he knows what he’s doing. Let’s stop wriggling, chill out, and let him do it!
Check out other articles in the
Coffee With...
series below.
More articles in the
Coffee With...
series are to come.
We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
In Psalm 139 we read that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, knit together in our mother’s womb. I love that we are each a piece of God’s knitting!
Kind of like a big collection of peggy squares, all different patterns, colours and sizes, bound together into a colourful blanket of gloriousness!
She describes fingernail marks dragging behind as she reluctantly made her way northwest not convinced she would be a Coast dweller. But God had different ideas, and soon she knew in the deepest recesses of her heart she would teach at Cobden School, drawn to those who struggled academically, and those who needed someone to believe in them. This was her place, her purpose, her calling. It’s here her light shines brightest, with pupils and teachers alike experiencing the flame of her passion and lilt of her laughter. It’s no surprise that Cobden School is the last remaining school in the area to welcome the Bible in Schools programme.
Married to Andreas and mum to their four creative and inspiring adult children, when asked where “home” is Michelle is thoughtful for a moment. Geographically it's Ōtepoti, Dunedin, where she spent her early life and where many of her family live. But home, she says, is wherever she is, where the couch is, and where she can be herself.
As we meander through memories, Michelle fingers her tattoo, treasured both because of its meaning and because it’s the highly skilled work of their second son. It features a Eurasian Owl, wise and wide-eyed, nestled amongst four brightly coloured daisies representing each of her children. The centre of each daisy is vermillion, matching the owl’s distinctive eyes in beautiful symbolism of the heritage she passes to each, and the reflection of herself in them.
On the mantelpiece with a mosaic of family photos, intriguingly are rows of Lego figurines. She pauses to pick out various ones she associates with people she loves. Kermit the Frog with his banjo, like a son living life to his own rhythm; a figure in armour reminding her of the spiritual battle; and the Muppet drummer “Animal” whom she likens to herself – a little crazy, disturbing the peace but having fun.
As we talk of roots and life-shaping circumstances, this life verse choice makes so much sense. Michelle is passionate about her cultural heritage from her dad. He is a courageous yet humble Chinese man who provided stability for the family at a tough time, and emulated a strong work ethic born of his own harrowing experience growing up in China. “My father is Chinese,” says Michelle, “so therefore I am Chinese." While knowing she was loved, those words seldom passed her father’s lips, but rather life was lived in a way that would “make dad proud," communicated through her mum. It was the Chinese way. Making dad proud was a way to connect and, while powerful, had its downsides, leaving a legacy of Martha-ism: seeking to do things to make her Heavenly Father proud too. What a work of grace then, as Michelle has learned to sit still, stop wriggling, and let her Father love her just as she is, precious in his sight, without any "doing" needed.
Michelle knows her faith journey is not one to do alone, and doing life with other believers is central to her walk, whether that be through small groups, prayer teams, gatherings to worship at Cobden, or events that bring folk together. She loves to meet the practical needs of others and holds loosely to “stuff" – preferring to share with those who need it more.
Coffee with Michelle reminds me powerfully that our hand-knitted peggy piece always turns out a little different than we would have planned for ourselves. It might have some knots, some unexpected colour joins, some dropped stitches and some added ones. But God is knitting a thing of beauty and he knows what he’s doing. Let’s stop wriggling, chill out, and let him do it!
Check out other articles in the
Coffee With...
series below.
More articles in the
Coffee With...
series are to come.
