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For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 NIV

Have you ever tried knitting, crocheting, doing cross-stitch or embroidery? These really can be difficult tasks that require lots of manual dexterity. Such arts require concentration and attention to a pattern. Changing colors of yarn or threads demand creativity.

There is a lot of labor and love that goes into producing such pieces of handiwork. I know how many hours it takes to embroider a multi-colored pattern onto a pillowcase or hand towel. I tried knitting and crocheting, but I became so obsessed with finishing that it wasn’t fun or relaxing to me. After completing my chosen project, perfect or imperfect, I always used my handiwork or put it on display.

That’s just how it is with God!

God knitted us in the womb so we can live in the good works he prepared for us in advance! Think about that! Each of us were created to fit into an empty spot that no one else could fill. That may be hard to imagine, especially when as widows we think we are part of a broken pair after losing our spouses. Regardless of how we have labeled ourselves, God has created us individually for his special, specific niche.

After laboring over us, molding us into His likeness, creating opportunities for us to do His work, God puts us on public display for the world to experience: We are born into this world. We are His handiwork, the face of Christ to one another. We are evidence of His love of beauty and His craftsmanship. We are NOT part of a broken set or unmatched pair. We stand alone as his most awesome creation to reflect His wonder and majesty and used for His greater purpose!

Let’s not forget as we travel the path of grief that we each have intrinsic value. We are not “just” a spouse, a parent, a friend. We are God’s handiwork, a priceless creation of more value than gold, an heir to His Kingdom.

So don’t be afraid to show the world how wonderful our God is by showing the world how wonderful YOU are!

Dearest Lord, You are the Master Craftsman who has created the universe with Your word. Thank You for making each of us a part of Your awesome plan. Please send us Your Holy Spirit to help create us anew each day to fulfill the good works You have planned for us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.