I am reordering my life after a delightful visit with all children and in-laws in town for a long week-end. As I stood by the dryer this morning and my hands moved rhythmically, the verb fold came to mind for muscle memory and how it is so meaningful. Along with how to hold a spoon right side up, that is one of children’s first how to do words. When they help as toddlers it is a roll, wad, and stuff process. Then they go to day care and learn the corner to corner process that is so essential.
The sequence is ever on call, even if some skills like fitted sheets take more practice. Dishtowels need to fit in their special drawer. Napkins lie ready for their next call of use. For some, a neatly packed suitcase helps one arrive and go forth without looking like a bum. We don’t even think in those rare moments a letter goes out how to move 81/2″ to a rectangle of thirds to fit in a legal sized envelope. The more arty ones in life add fold to fold to create amazing origami presentations.
Then meaning shifts. The delineating edge becomes a fence to create a place of a safety and care for animals, usually sheep. When we get wrinkled and frazzled, the gate is opened and that fold provides a place for us. Mixed and scattered, we become a part of the group rescued and cared for. The Master Muscle Memory puts us in our drawer, our suitcase, our letter – our special fold.
“And I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds
Jeremiah 23:3
Let Me Tell Ya 