Knit Together

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
Proverbs 31:13
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us, establish the work of our hands for us, yes establish the work of our hands.
Psalm 90:17

Hands busy with God’s work. Count me in! Sign me up for something big and wonderful. I’d like you to do something small and comforting. Oh. Really? I thought God’s work would be different.

My hands are often busy knitting. Does this count as busy hands for God? Knitting seems like an indulgence because it is so satisfying. I don’t even see it as work since it gives me such pleasure. Somewhere I picked up the idea doing God’s work had to be filled with sacrifice. I assumed the work He’d give me would be difficult, or dirty, or not much fun. The task he set would be impossible. Yet we are each given so many different talents. He fits the task to the talent. The job is not an impossible, dirty job for the right person. Find pleasure in my work. When I read the verse in Proverbs (31:13) I was ignited. Knitting counts! I’ll to something small and comforting.

I have been knitting for Guideposts Knit for Kids program for three years. Soft yarns, lovely colors, technical expertise, and rhythm of working stitch after stitch. It all comes together in love. I enjoy the craft and I love those I knit for. Even when I do not know who will receive the sweater I am making I know my stitches are created in love. I have time to meditate on God and his blessings in my life as I work. Sweet things come to mind as I knit. I send off my woolens with a kiss and a prayer, knowing just the right person will receive a small comfort.

My other assumption about God’s work was it should be very public. Many people should see what you are doing and therefore many will come to Christ because of you. But what if your thing is not very public. My work is not public. I knit one sweater at a time to send off to children I will never meet this side of heaven. That’s a pretty private thing to do. This is why is seemed a guilty pleasure because it’s hidden thing and I love doing it. Someone may ask when they see me knitting, Who is the sweater for? I say, I am giving this to a child I’ve never met. I knit for Guideposts. How can you do that, just give it away? There it is the opening, this is where it starts. I tell them who really gets this sweater. This is the work I do for God. I’d like you to do something small and comforting.

Dear Father, My hands are eager to do your work. May I find joy in the tasks you have given me to do even if you are the only one who sees my offering of work.

Posted 10/26/2008 @ 12:12 PM | Weekly Thoughts