Knit one, purl two. Or was it purl two and knit one? There was a time I really enjoyed knitting, but I should clarify, I did the lowest form of knitting possible. I also just realized I was doing it wrong. Yesterday I went out and bought some knitting supplies. I’ve been wanting to have something to do to decompress other than scrolling on my phone. I knew there would be a learning curve because it’s been over a decade but I was ready to learn again. Thanks to the wonderful world of Pinterest and YouTube, I’ve got ample resources.

My goal is to make a cute slouchy beanie. I’ve got the pattern, the yarn, and the needles, but not the skill. Even the beginner pattern is over my head. Nevertheless, I’m committed to trying. There is a process to making something new. Trial and error, or in my case, error and more error. Last night as I unraveled my failed efforts for the fourth time, I noticed I wasn’t frustrated. 

As much as I really want a cute hat, the reality is I can buy one. In fact, I did just buy a few beanies for less than the supplies I purchased! So why put myself through the tedious handiwork? Joy. There is joy in the process. With each mistake, I learn. With each missed stitch I grow. There is joy in making something new.

I’m reminded that the Lord finds great joy in making all things new—including us. That’s hard to imagine. I know I would be so frustrated with each broken promise, failure, and missed mark, but not God. He’s present with us in the making. He offers love, strength, and joy to help us in the process. And the best part is he never gives up. 

After hours of knitting and unraveling last night, I finally rolled up my ball and put it away, but not for good. I will try again today. I am committed to the process. I woke up this morning with clarity and a deeper understanding of what I was doing wrong. I feel more confident today but I know that I will stumble and unravel many more times until the day I can reply to a compliment about my new hat and say, “Thanks, I made it!” 

We forget that those who have “Made it” also went through the making process. Too often we try to skip the process and jump to the end. We want the joy and satisfaction of the result without the journey. But the lasting joy of making it isn’t the finished product. Joy is in the making because Jesus is in the making.

“Behold, I am making all things new” Rev. 21:5–

Joyfully, 
Season Bowers