It reminded me of a session I attended some time ago, a faith-based discussion on healing from trauma. One of the signs of healing that was named was 'hand-making'.
Literally defined, hand-making is making something. While the examples given covered all manner of creating (as simple as making a meal or sewing a hem, to something as complex as building an addition or painting a canvas), the intention and effect of the effort indicated that it was much more than just a creative spell.
For a creative spell, inspiration strikes, and off you venture to the craft room or kitchen or woodshop. There is a project, a plan, and ideally an eventual finished product. And it is good!
For hand-making, the nuance varies, in that the intention is not the finished product, but the journey of creating.
This is important as a spiritual context changes the reason for creating in the first place. When we are healing, we are returning to the created being that God intended us to be: loved and loveable and loving. And when we dwell in that love, the labour's of our hands are an extension of our love.
Our hand-making reminds us of the privilege we share as co-creators with the one who created us; it also reminds us of our constant journey towards spiritual health and wellness.
So this week I'll be doing some sewing; a little creative project and a little hand-making wrapped all into one. I'm looking forward to the journey!
No comments:
Post a Comment