The Weaver (as found in the front of The Weaver Curriculum)

Once upon a time, in the days of yore, a Master Weaver was petitioned to make a garment of silk. This was not to be an ordinary garment, but one of high quality, carefully fashioned so as to meet a specified need. With great consideration He selected the materials. The finest of silk was gathered, and the job began. Thoughtfully the Master Weaver spun the silk into thread and dyed it many hues. After obtaining a good start, the Weaver sent forth a notice that he was in need of a special helper. Far and wide the notice traveled. Not many weavers were interested in the job, for the Master Weaver was known to be a hard task maker, demanding excellence, and the job was to take a considerable length of time with relatively low wages. A few months later, a humble weaver appeared at the Master's cottage and inquired if the position was still available. With a nod, the weaver was let into the cottage and the pattern was set before him. His work was not grand or glorious, for he would only be weaving the background for the fine embroidery which was to be added by the Master. Nevertheless, with great care, the apprentice began the task at hand, asking first for guidance from the Master. As the time passed swiftly, the weaver diligently wove the mandatory colors into the garment. Upon the completion of the background weaving, the Master returned to do the fine embroidery Himself, and with a "Well Done" the weaver was let go. Silently he disappeared into the busy streets. The Master Weaver added the embroidery required by the magnificent pattern He had chosen. The beauty of the garment was exceeding, and each color delicately balanced the other. There was never a garment like it before, nor shall there be after. For the garment is the life of a child, carefully chosen by the Master, woven by the parent, and completed by the Master Weaver.