Year Two, Day 334: Each Stitch Holds a Prayer

Looking back on this day, I feel a sense of pride, balance and peace.

Although I slept in, YET AGAIN, I did not overeat.  And I mostly focused in my work, and peaceful and kind and PRESENT in my work and interaction with others.

I believe my fruit of the spirit today was "goodness".  (From Galatians 5:22-23).

I equate this with integrity. I've talked about this with my kids when they were younger. Doing the right thing even if noone is looking. Afterall, God sees all!

My son and I took taekwondo classes together for several years. Before each class, we stood at attention and recited the "Five Tenets of Taekwondo":

1. Courtesy
2. Integrity
3. Perseverence
4. Self control
5. Indominatable Spirit. 

I can still recite those from memory!  Repetition is a very effective way of learning. I can see this as a teacher and musician.  And as a student of life.

I did check myself and google the "Five Tenets of Taekwondo".

I was correct!

And I found this definition of integrity interesting:

"Integrity, or 염치 in Korean Hangul (pronounced yom-chee), includes not only the general definition of integrity where one is not only able to determine the difference between right and wrong but also being able to stand up for what is ethically correct. Being honest and having strong moral principles is paramount and working hard to be beyond corruption are important aspects of the tenet of integrity."

http://tenetsoftaekwondo.com/five_tenets_of_taekwondo/ 

Interesting that taekwondo reflects some moral teachings from the Bible. I did a bit of quick research. Taekwondo is an ancient martial art, which can be traced back over 2,000 years!

I've been thinking about my son a lot lately. One of my biggest regrets as a mom was allowing him to quit taekwondo. He was only 10 or 11. A purple belt. One of the best in his class. But he started to resist going to class. I had to drag him kicking and screaming. I was an overwhelmed single mom. I gave in.

I could have throttled the man a few years ago when he said, "Mom, I should have stayed in taekwondo. I would have been a blackbelt!"

grrrrr

But I digress.

I want to talk about knitting. Yes, knitting.

I have discovered that knitting has become a spiritual practice for me.  I am knitting a baby blanket for my new grandbaby. I never mastered the art of knitting. I become distracted and forget if I am knitting or purling. Or the tension is uneven. The fabric will get wider and wider, and the narrower and narrower, until I get frustrated and rip out all the stitches.

But not this time. I am inspired. My daughter suggested getting thicker yarn. It was brilliant. I found a lovely, soft plush thick yarn. We do not know the gender yet, so I found a fairly gender neutral color.  

And to keep my focused and mindful, I pray with each stitch.  I started out praying for blessings on my grandbaby with each stitch last night. Then this afternoon, over a green tea latte at Starbucks, I prayed for each family member with each stitch.

And then, people just kept popping into my head. And as they did, I whispered their names and prayed a blessing for them with each stitch.

And then, I broadened my prayer circle to all those suffering in this world. To the people in Syria, especially the victims of the recently chemical attack. For the Coptic Christians that were victims of the Palm Sunday bombing in Egypt, for the man that was dragged off the United Airlines plane, for the safety of the Pope and all those who work for peace. For all the homeless, the addicted, the lonely, the depressed, the hungry, all the victims of violence, especially innocent children.  

The list went on and on.

I am going to have to buy more yarn.

As you can see, it is not perfect. But I plan on practicing everyday. Each stitch holds a prayer.  

I think I found a spiritual practice and hobby that I can continue the rest of my life! And finally, gifts I can give truly from my heart! :)

I hope you had a happy, peaceful Tuesday.

Talk to you tomorrow.

Love,

Zita