“For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”—Ephesians 2:10
This past week on my way to a doctor appointment, I realized I left my phone on the table. I was only 10 minutes from my house, but I was going to Dallas and going home to get it, would have made me late. I know some people would have major anxiety to be without their phone for 3 hours, but I was totally fine with it.
While leaving my appointment, when I got in the full elevator, just about every person had their head down looking at their phones. We live in a society that is not only disengaged but living their life through a screen. In fact there is something that they are diagnosing in young children called, “Virtual Autism” that links too much screen time with young children can put some on the autism spectrum.
It is no wonder we have increased depression and anxiety. I know the thought of forgetting your phone at home for some people would cause major stress for them. That 3 hours that I was without my phone? Life went on and I only missed a few text messages.
So many of us, have our heads down looking at our phone that we don’t see the beauty around us. I can’t tell you how many young mom’s I see on their phones in their driveway as their young children play outside. Rather than enjoy the moment, they are either trying to get the perfect photo to post or scrolling through social media. Honestly, I’m glad smart phones weren’t around when my kids were younger because I might have been doing the same thing.
I find it so sad to see family or friends out together only to have their eyes glued to their phones and not interacting with each other. In this world of mobile devices, knitting is something that can replace the time I spend on the world wide web by making items that can impact and touch other people’s lives. When I am alone, it gives me quiet time with God and when I am in a knitting group, I am actually interacting with others.
After my doctor appointment as I was waiting for my car, the girl at the valet stand was all bundled up and I felt God prompt me to give her a knit headband that I had in my purse. I let her know I knit gifts and pray for the people who will receive them and wanted her to have it. It fit her perfect and looked so cute on her. She even took a picture of herself in it. Since I didn’t have my phone I asked her to tag me in it or use the hashtag, #knitprayshare. She said she would, but she didn’t. I was really hoping she would because the joy that her smile brought me, made my day. However, I am doing this for God not for recognition. Having my heart filled was better than being tagged in any social media post.
It is awkward at first when you start giving away your Knit, Pray, Share gifts, but with prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit, you can do it. It will make your life better when you let God speak through your hands and heart by sharing the love of Jesus to those in your sphere of influence.
Dear Lord,
Help me to keep my focus on You and not my phone. Continue to open my eyes and heart to those around me that I can bless with a handmade gift, smile or kind word. I thank You that I am Your handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works that You have personally prepared in advance for me to do. I give You praise that through the power of the Holy Spirit that I can make a difference in my corner of the world. It is in the name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen.
Please make sure you tweet @ThreadsWithRed or share your projects on the Knit, Pray, Share Facebook page or Instagram using the hashtags #ThreadsWithRed and #KnitPrayShare be sure to attach a tag to whatever gift you make.
Memory Verse: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” —Romans 15:13
