You can always take up knitting ..... by Eileen Padmore

For decades my secret passions have been knitting and crochet. Not secret because I'm ashamed – more to do with growing up in a post war society that regarded knitting as only carried out by the desperately lonely or unfulfilled.

You've heard the knitting jokes:

'What will you do with yourself when you retire?'

'Lots, but never fear – I won't be sitting at home, knitting!'

Once it came from the pulpit via a curate who was urging the young to use their skills in service. He said, to a round of sniggers:

'Don't worry.  I'm not suggesting you take up knitting.'

Now, there is a resurgence of interest in handicrafts across the generations. I know because I've been in demand to teach family and friends. But I had no idea that God delights in all creativity and can use it in his service.

Then, on retreat, the gentle voice got through at last with the name 'Dorcas'. It persisted ...... 'til I looked her up. And there she was in Acts 9, stone cold dead in an upper room surrounded by wailing women who were showing each other all the things she's made for them.

Was I being prompted to make things for others?  Unlikely in this age of cheap machine made multi-production. What then? A year later the answer came when I found a beautiful book of prayer shawls in my favourite wool shop.

My new ministry started with a shawl for lovely friend Jean, riddled with rheumatoid arthritis and in constant pain. I prayed as it took shape from scraps of yarn and a design in my head. Not only did she completely understand the Christian symbolism, but was overwhelmed by the warmth and love. Her comment through tears: 'I feel I'm being hugged by God!' A few months later she died but not before explaining the symbolism to her non-christian family.

I found that in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs, shawls can comfort people during acute or chronic illness, hospitalisation, bereavement – and are great for celebrating birth, marriage and anniversaries. Nearly everyone can relate to prayer.

Now, others have joined me to create 'prayer shapes' accompanied by Bible texts and prayers.  A local hospice chaplain puts them in the chapel where demand by staff, patients and relatives tends to outstrip supply. They are also shared with our daily contacts and used in the local House of Prayer.

Since childhood, I've been fascinated by colour, texture, shape and design but had no idea these could be used in Christian service. Our creator lavished an extravagance of variety on his handiwork. We are 'fearfully and wonderfully made' in his image. Creativity is in our DNA.

This has been a transforming journey for me as well as a blessing for others. What a revelation to find that the master craftsman delights in such things and can use them alongside our writing, for his own purposes.

NB:  Like to know more? Here is the link to my brand new website/blog Benedict Unravelled: Reflections on a prayer shawl ministry

    Eileen Padmore has retired from a life spent in health care and academia, having worked in Sierra Leone, Zambia, Eire and Northern Ireland (in the troubles) as well as inner city Birmingham and Leeds. She has had articles published in Woman Alive, Christian Writer and contributed to the popular ACW Lent Book. Married to a professional musician, the family includes a feisty springer spaniel and a large African tortoise.