Sweater

My sweet children have lovingly warn the sweaters, hats, and other items I’ve made them all their lives.

Christmas brought me more yarn. (squeak!)

Before beginning, I’d asked the Lord what I should make out of this beautiful yarn.

So, I began this cardigan for Anne.

When it was finished Anne seemed pleased and I was blessed.

I’m currently working on a different cardigan for myself.

Both of these projects are a stretch since I’m using stitches I’m unfamiliar with.

Yet, it’s been good.

To stretch out of the easy way.

Learning something new and then practicing it till it because fluid is effort.

In crocheting it can be both frustrating and a bit humiliating.

With the project I’m busy with now, I’ve had to rip out and restart twice.

Years ago, I’d have likely given up and gone back to the easy way.

I had many reasons for such.

But this time is different.

I know God wants me to learn something new, no matter how long it takes.

Because there is more to learn than the new stitches.

I can experience wonder at seeing thousands of stitches form a garment from a skein of yarn.

I can find patience in being precise and careful with every hook and pull.

I can enjoy the process of creating, not just the finished product.

And I can pray.

While crafting my with my hands I can be lifting others up in prayer.

Especially if the garment is being fashioned for a particular person.

Like Anne’s sweater.

Many prayers were stitched along with the hooked yarn.

Prayers for her person, her future, her health, her…

It’s always a pleasure.

I’m looking forward to seeing how this next cardigan turns out.

Whether it’s done soon or takes me a long while, I pray it will continue to be an opportunity to learn.

And a reminder to pray.