During the month of September they challenge their bloggers to write every week and to nudge them along they give a few writing prompts along the way. I have often been touched by the writing ministrations of several of these bloggers so when I got the e-mail this week I thought "I have a blog. It's been sort of neglected. Why not?"
My more observant dear readers may note that we are nearly at the half way point of September so I'm in the "bringing up the rear" group. The bonus here is that there will be no week one submission from me. You may see this as a bonus if things don't go well.
The week two prompt is: "Write three things about one word"
So, in the past few days I've had my thinking cap on regarding how best to transition my Knitting blog that has more recently become my Mercy Ships blog towards something more inclusive as I start blogging about Compassion International and not seem too terribly schizophrenic in the process.
So, I hit on the word KNIT . Yes, once again my passion for knitting is the key to knit all of this together. Let's see....
Early on in life I learned of the fabric called knit. Knits are typically soft, flowing garments that hug every curve. So being of the more zaftig persuasion when it comes to body type I assiduously avoided anything constructed of knits other than large, camouflaging sweaters and comfy socks to ward off the deep freeze of my Wisconsin home. Knit as a fabric type had long been something to avoid until I got into my more advanced years. As waistbands became more and more challenging the knit garment became more of a friend. In fact, I've lately found a designer of knitwear that makes a lovely A-line dress that I always pack when travelling that has been dubbed my "Safety Dress". Like a good friend this dress always fits, goes with everything and never wrinkles or looks bad. We all need such a friend and a safety dress. Knits as a fabric type has come full circle as my best friend now.
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| My current project |
Knit is also one of my favorite verbs as one could surmise from my blog's title. From the time I first learned to knit in second grade I revelled in the ability to turn string into fabric. I love the process of creating something of beauty from an item that barely resembles the finished product. As I knit I can meditate on how other things are created and marvel at what goes into the making of something from nothing.
As the Psalmist said:
Psalm 139:13-14
New International Version (NIV)
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Lately knitting has become cool - thanks to Julia Roberts and dubbed the "new yoga" for the rhythmic sense of peace one gains. For years I had a nightly routine of sitting down with my needles and yarn. Sadly, the demands of school, work and children had me setting my needles aside for decades. By the time I'd retired from the military and the children started to move away I rediscovered the hobby that kept my hands busy and my mouth from snacking in front of the TV set. No doubt my ability to handle the stress of those days would have been enhanced had I continued with my meditative, creative hobby during the crazy years.
Finally, the word knit is used to signify combining from diverse sources or elements as well as to join closely or firmly as with members or parts.reference Not only are we knit together as human beings in our mother's wombs from the nothingness of random DNA but we are knit together as humans into amazing communities that begin and end and have different purposes. The Lord not only knits our bodies together He knits our lives together in a beautiful tapestry that at times resembles a mess until years later you take a step away and gaze in awe.
Just as the community of knitters taking to the blogosphere enticed me to open up a sporadic blog when I was reintroduced to my long, lost love of knitting. The Christian Community introduced me to international missions via a long ago mint advertisement for a sea going medical mission that resonated as a use for my Navy medical training.
The Christian Community introduced me to the idea of sponsoring my first daughter in Africa over ten years ago. The desire to see Rosemery - still unmet - planted the seed that going to Africa would be feasible.Years later, after leaving the Navy we went to Africa with Mercy Ships. More parts of my life coming full circle.
Not only do I knit nearly every night, God is knitting me - physically, spiritually and globally every day.
How is God knitting you?
Is he nudging you out of your comfort zone a little? Perhaps He wants you to have a wider world view by getting to know a child in another country. Compassion International was that jump start for me. I urge you to visit their website @ Compassion International and see if one of these precious children touches you.
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