Knots…
Joseph Andrews of Independence, MO, USA
I lift up my eyes to the hills- from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. -Psalm 121:1-2
“Restless Weaver, ever spinning threads of justice and shalom;
dreaming patterns of creation where all creatures find a home;
gath’ring up life’s varied fibers-every texture, every hue;
grant us your creative vision. With us weave your world anew.
“Where earth’s fragile web is rav’ling, help us mend each broken strand.
Bless our urgent, bold endeavors cleansing water, air, and land.
Through the Spirit\’s inspiration off’ring health where once was pain-
strengthen us to be the stewards of your world knit whole again.”
-O. I. Cricket Harrison, \xc2\xa9 1973 United Church Press, Community of Christ Sings 145
My wife often has a crochet hook in her hand as she creates lap robes for hospital patients; baby blankets, hats for grandchildren; etc. The yarn can cause much frustration, especially at the end of the skein, when it tends to knot up. She stops and tries to coax it back into a straight line. Hoping to help her, I secured a yarn winder to wrap the skeins into perfect balls so she can continue her work. There are times when a knot in the yarn refuses to loosen, and I have no recourse but to cut the knot out and retie the ends. She easily works in the ends of the knots so they are invisible in her finished project.
Life is like those skeins of yarn. It goes along well for a time with no worries, and suddenly there’s a huge knot. Perhaps a job is lost, a sudden medical emergency, a broken commitment. We must take care of the knot in order for life to go on.
Jesus was familiar with fishing nets that had to be mended. Many of his disciples were fishermen skilled at making and mending nets, and getting the knots out. Life’s problems also challenged them with knots. Jesus used imagery from their occupation to explain that they must use the same care and devotion in bringing his message to the world.
Going through “knotty” issues in life makes us better equipped to encourage others in the world around us. Sometimes, it means cutting the knots out and weaving two ends together. Whatever issues we face, God has promised to help us. We will find God ready and willing to help us unscramble the knots in our lives. We hear Christ’s promise, “Come to me…and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Prayer Phrase
We are one in Christ.
Spiritual Practice
Week Four: Think Globally, Act Locally
Journal/Reflect
The world conference community represents spiritual communities from cities, towns, and villages around the world. Each comes with distinct experiences that impact how they see, hear, and respond to the community as a whole. Some issues that are discussed will seem far removed from your own daily realities, but they may be close at heart for someone else. Notice your own local context as preparation for this global gathering. What dreams inhabit your community’s imagination? What concerns rest on people’s hearts? What practical matters impact your ability to share in ministry? Where is the Spirit at work in the realities you encounter in your daily life? How does your own local context and experience both restrict and expand your ability to engage in broader dialogue?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
