Why Yes, I Do Knit In Church

During one of the hymns yesterday morning my eldest child leaned over and whispered,

"Mom, why do you come to church if all you do is knit during the service?"

A very good question, indeed.

Yes, yes it is true that I knit during church. 

For the record, I'm not the only one, and probably wouldn't have the gumption to do it if I were alone.  There are actually three or four of us who can be found with our knitting bags by our sides on a regular basis, picking up our knitting needles periodically throughout the service.  I must also say that no one has ever complained about this behavior, and if any such complaints were brought to my attention I would immediately stop out of respect for my fellow congregants.

So why do I do it?

I knit during church because knitting helps to still my mind.  Finding a quiet place then helps me to focus my attention on the service itself, and helps me to open my heart and mind to any messages that I might need to hear.  (Incidentally, I also take notes during worship services.)

I knit during church because quite frankly I am someone who has trouble sitting still.

I knit during church because my church family values my talents and appreciates my work.  They never belittle the things that I make and do, and they've made it abundantly clear that they love and respect this part of me.

I knit during church because it is a time when I often think of others...and so often the projects I take are gifts.  Truth be told I'm a bit superstitious about gift knitting, and like to put as much love into the projects as possible.

I knit during church because I have enough of an old fashioned soul to believe in the old adage that "idle hands are the devil's work."

I knit during church because our church believes that we should put our minds and our unique talents to use....and I know without a doubt this is an expression of both for me.

I knit during church because a more relaxed Mama means more relaxed children...which ultimately means a better Sunday morning experience for all of us.

Just as I don't believe there's any one "Right" church or any one "Right" way of belief, I also don't believe there's any one "Right" way to worship. 

And knitting during church just so happens to be my way to worship.