Last week T-Rex asked me to knit him a kitty. Because he LOVES kitties. And he only has one (stuffed). And Little Miss has two. And that’s not fair. It just so happened that I had a knitting book from the library and it had a (fairly) easy pattern for a kitty. Naturally. I showed it to him and he approved and asked me to make it in black. Right now.
Since I had just gotten over the flu and I felt bad for neglecting him while I was sick and making him scavenge for his own snacks, I went to the basement and found black yarn and needles. Because I have a mini-craft store in my basement. Just ask anyone who’s been down there. Just don’t ask my husband, because he’ll make it sound worse. But it’s not as bad as my mom’s. Or my mother-in-law’s. I can say that because neither one will deny it. And I love them. Especially when they have exactly the little doo-dad I need.
I sat down and started knitting the kitty. And T-Rex asked me if it was done yet.
“Uh, buddy, it’s not going to get done today.”
“Why not?” He scowled at me.
“Because I’m not as fast as Grandma J.” Sarcasm.
“Then you should put the yarn in a box and mail it to Grandma J.” 4-year-olds don’t get sarcasm.
“Even if I did send it to Grandma J, it still wouldn’t get done today, or even tomorrow.”
“WHY NOT?” He’s getting really impatient now.
“Because hand knitted things take time!”
He sighed and sat down behind me, leaning on my arm.
“T-Rex, that doesn’t help me go faster.”
He moved to lean against the wall opposite me and crossed his arms waiting expectantly for his kitty, resigned to having to wait on my inferior knitting skills. Then he fell asleep and took a nap. Then he woke up asking if it was done yet. Then he informed me that I should work on it day and night until it is done.
“Why are you working on dinner?”
“Because it’s dinner time.”
“You should be working on my kitty.”
Sigh.
As I chuckle at his adorable persistence and impatience, I realize I do the exact same thing to God. All the time.
I stand at the counter ringing the bell asking where that thing is that I needed and I asked for. God looks at me and requests patience, because He’s crafting something unique and special just for me. And that takes time. I’d settle for something ready-made-ill-fitting-straight-from-the-rack. But He’d rather tailor it just for me. Then there are times that He tells me that I’m not ready yet, that I need to grow into the gift He wants to bestow on me. And sometimes He tells me that I’m asking for the wrong thing. I sigh, not always happy with His response. Sometimes I lean against the wall and cross my arms thinking that my way just might be better and faster. Even though, deep down, I know it’s not.
And so, with each stitch on this kitty, I ask God to help me have patience for the things that I am waiting for in my life.
Wow–just what I needed to read today. I especially love the way you crafted the words–“I’d settle for something ready-made-ill-fitting-straight-from-the-rack. But He’d rather tailor it just for me.” just jumped off the screen and resonated vibrantly with me. I cheered as I read those words–and said, “YES!” Great writing–you hooked and snagged me–in a good way!
Thanks, Jenna. You’re always such a great encouragement! I got my first real writing rejection, and I needed these words myself today, to remember patience and keep looking for God’s best plan for me!
I want a knitted kitty!!!!
Lol, Casey! I have to see if I can this one finished. EAK! Grandma J may be helping out after all!
This one should be on your list for submission!!!
VERY good!
Did you get a picture of the kitty?
Thank you Susie! That IS the picture of the kitty. That’s all I’ve gotten done so far! This just happened last week 🙂
I love hand made gifts but yes they take time and that’s why they’re better! That’s why God is the best he takes time for us!