11.03.2005

Patience


I've been knitting for about 16 years, but in all that time, I've only done small projects: scarves, hats, purses, headbands, or, uh, art. But I've never completed what I will call a large project. Years ago, I started a sweater; I did the front and began to back, but that's where i stopped. I still have it in its sad unfinished state. A couple of years ago at thanksgiving when Aunt Beth and Reba came to Tennessee, I started my very first afghan, which I think does qualify as a large project - I just still haven't finished it yet. The difference in these small and large projects has nothing to do with complexity, it's all about time. And as my mom and John will account for, I like to get things done quickly. So... I've started a new knitting project. I am making a jacket from this really great pattern out of good yarn. I am equating my ability to finish this project with my ability to grow and develop this fruit of the Spirit: patience. So I guess we'll all see how well I do.
I guess I shouldn't mention that I also think of growing my hair out as this sort of metaphysical exercise in patience. I guess that says how many times I've come close and failed.

3 comments:

kate said...

That's really interesting, to think of the patience required to grow out your hair or knit a sweater as growth in the fruit of the Spirit. I ought to try a little application of that.

Chara said...

I guess they come in all the small ways first. If you can't patient enough to wait for a table at a restaurant, how will you ever wait for your hair to grow or a year to pass...
Hmmm.....
Ideas!

Laura said...

I think, when I was a growing out my hair, that was a passive way to be patient. But finishing this project will be active. So i'll actively be engaged in being patient. Yes, well, maybe it will work.