Musings on Handiwork

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." ~Psalm 19:1

As I've been on a creative streak lately (check back tomorrow to see what we have been up to!), I have been pondering the creative nature of God once again.  I've said before how we are made in His image and so each of us has the power to create.  A marvelous gift, indeed!

Handiwork is a pretty simple term--it means to make or do.  It refers to manual labor.  The Hebrew, "yad", used in Psalm 19 also alludes to a power that is in the making or doing--a perfect description for the handiwork of our Creator God!  I really like the artistic terms used in Scripture to describe the work of God.  Among others, there is the potter and clay analogy.  His powerful hand shapes me into a worthy vessel.  Reminds me of this poem by Corrie ten Boom:

My Life is but a weaving

between my Lord and me;

I cannot choose the colors

He worketh steadily.

Oft times He weaveth sorrow

And I, in foolish pride,

Forget He sees the upper,

And I the under side.

Not til the loom is silent

And the shuttles cease to fly,

Shall God unroll the canvas

And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful

In the Weaver's skillful hand,

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned.

He knows, He loves, He cares,

Nothing this truth can dim.

He gives His very best to those

Who leave the choice with Him.

The crown tapestry in the ten Boom museum brings this to life beautifully (yes, I've been there to see it in person!)

Yesterday, a fellow creative friend at church was sharing how sewing and knitting are ways she keeps her sanity in the midst of motherhood in the trenches.  I nodded as she spoke.  There is something in our creative natures, the very working of beauty in the midst of everyday demands, that empowers us to persevere with joy.  Creating is revitalizing!  And creating can look so different in each person---if sewing and knitting aren't your interests, find the ones that are.  The possibilities are endless.

*photo is the detail work in a skirt I thrifted last week.  It is one of the inspirations of the thoughts in this post!