“Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of. But don't compare yourself with others.”—Galatians 6:4 (CEV)

As much as I loved being on a knitting retreat last weekend in Asheville, North Carolina, I am going to be transparent here. I know God has called me to Knit, Pray, Share. Most items I make I give away. I often feel guilty when I spend time making something for me. In fact, I have been known to give someone the scarf off my neck if they like it.

With that being said, the only item I brought on the trip was a pair of socks that I was wearing the day I arrived on Thursday. For dinner that night, we all were in the dining hall. EVERYONE (okay, maybe not EVERYONE, but is sure seemed like it) was wearing these gorgeous scarves and sweaters they had made. To say, I felt inadequate is an understatement.

It appeared that these ladies were excellent knitters. I didn’t feel as if I had anything to offer. Rather than stay up late, knit and make new friends, I chose to go to bed early. Instead of being excited to start my day, the next morning, I was dragging my feet to go down to breakfast.

My friend, Patti, sent me a simple text; have fun today!🧶  She had no idea I was in a funk. I could have responded with a simple, thanks, I will, but I didn’t. I replied, thank you. Everyone is so nice. I definitely need to start making more things for myself. Everyone is wearing their fancy sweaters, shawls and scarves they have made. I’m just in my sweatshirt and leggings and no knit accessories.

I am sure that was not what she was expecting from me. I am usually upbeat, and those things don’t bother me. One of the knitting groups I am a part of, some of the ladies do knit masterpieces. I don’t feel inferior around them, so why now?

Sweet Patti knows me well. She texted back, you let them know that you give away what you make because you are Knit, Pray, Share and be proud of that. You do a lot of good. Go down there be proud of who you are because you are wonderful, and I love you.

I get teary eyed writing this. God knew the unmerited shame I was feeling. He made sure Patti sent me that text at the right moment. What a loving God we serve. Patti’s message was just the reminder I needed that God sees me, loves me, and knows my gifts.

The thing is, those beautiful intricate sweaters and shawls I would see each day, don’t give me the desire to make one. I wasn’t envious. I know that isn’t what God has called me to do (okay, maybe I did need a pep talk to remind me). I would gladly accept one as a gift, but I didn’t look at them and think, I really want to make that. I prefer simple patterns. I am comfortable knowing my knitting limits, so why was I embarrassed? Not one person made me feel less than enough. That was all on me.

I bought into the lies of the enemy that my simple knitting wouldn’t be interesting to any of these women. Since many of us already followed each other on social media, some knew about my book. This gave me opportunities to talk about it as well as bless someone with a copy that I had brought. God had impressed on my heart to pack one. I wasn’t sure who to give it to, until I met someone who told me she was planning on buying it. Her husband is a pastor and she is wanting to do some type of knitting ministry at the church. How could I not give it to her for inspiration?

When I had the opportunity to talk with others about my book, I would tell them, Look, I didn’t reinvent the wheel. They are super easy patterns you could probably do in your sleep, but that isn’t the purpose of the book. It is to inspire others to be more intentional in making gifts to give to others to let them know God loves them and they matter; using whatever pattern you want. They don’t have to be from the book. Hopefully, I did stir some hearts sharing how I give away what I knit.

No, I didn’t sport knitting masterpieces at the retreat, but God reminded me that I was clothed with His love. We are called to serve and worship God in some capacity. Where and how we do it is based on how God has called us to use our talents and skills. I recently read a devotion by Max Lucado where he said, “no one can do everything, but everyone can do something. God has blessed me with basic knitting knowledge. This has allowed me to both teach others what I know as well as share what I make. This is my something I can do.

As long as I am reflecting Christ through what I am doing, I have no reason to feel like I am not enough. Comparing myself to others only led to discouragement. You can see how in the flesh, I got so easily sucked into my emotions. Not only did God sent me a simple text to help me to turn my focus back to Jesus, but He also gave me, Galatians 6:4 “Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of. But don't compare yourself with others.”(CEV) The Holy Spirit empowered me to redirect my negative feelings back to Him, so that I had the right mindset the rest of the weekend. Praise Jesus!

Father God,

Forgive me when I let the lies of the enemy diminish what I am doing for You. Thank You for putting friends in my life who help me stay strong when the enemy attacks. Your Word tells me in Psalm 18:28 that You alone keep my lamp burning and turn my darkness into light. Thank You. I lift those up to You this week who can’t see their worth in what they are doing for Your Kingdom. Put someone in their pathway to encourage them this week. It is in the name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen.

February Verse:

“You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.”—Psalm 18:28

If you are knitting or crocheting gifts to give away, please make sure you tweet @KnitPrayShare or share your projects on the Knit, Pray, Share Facebook page or Instagram using the hashtag #KnitPrayShare. Be sure to attach a tag to whatever gift you make.