A Cross-Stitch Reflection on God’s Handiwork
I’ve had the great honor and privilege of creating two cross-stitch projects for two of my grandchildren, and I’m currently working on the third. It’s hard to work on these without seeing the analogies to our lives with God—right there in the fabric and the little stitches before me.
As I made each tiny stitch and watched the image slowly take shape, I found myself weeping prayers. In that moment, I imagined God knitting together my grandchild in their mother’s womb. Just as I followed a pattern—carefully choosing the order of colors and design—God was forming them perfectly, in just the right way. When the project was complete, I could step back and see how all those little stitches came together to create a picture. In the same way, when God finishes forming my little loves, He creates a whole, perfect child. God’s creativity never ceases to amaze me! I pray this over my grandchildren—that they would know how beautifully and wonderfully made they are.
Psalm 139:13–14: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
As I worked, there were times I miscounted and made mistakes, and had to undo them. This reminds me of the times in my life when I’ve made mistakes and God has gently redirected me to the right path. It doesn’t mean I’m a failure—it means I’m human. My strength lies in my willingness to be redirected and my attitude in accepting it. I pray a spirit of humility and grace over my grandchildren, not just for others but for themselves as well.
Proverbs 16:9: “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”
The third thing I notice while cross-stitching is how the back is a mess! Threads go in every direction, with knots and tangles. We only see the picture of someone’s life that they choose to show us. They could be going through any number of hard things and challenges, and may act unkindly because of that. How we treat other people is a reflection of our hearts, not their actions. If we remember that we all have messes on the back side of our fabrics, it will help us love everyone with the love we’ve received. I pray that all my grandchildren would always be loving and kind, and that people would know Christ’s love through them.
Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ has forgiven you.”
It amazes me, but doesn’t surprise me, that in this act of creativity and art I see so many illustrations of our walk with Christ. God is the great artist, creative in countless ways, starting with the world around us and continuing with us in the world. I am so grateful to be His masterpiece, created by Him to follow in His ways and love others. I pray that over my grandchildren, and I pray that for you.
