A skein of yarn. Size thirteen circular needles.
Fifty seven cast on stitches.
It is a beginning.
The cast on and two rows were done last night at home. The remainder of the three and a half inches were done during the gathering of the new Shawl Ministry. Six women and two men knitting and crocheting shawls to give to others for solace and comfort. When they are finished they will be washed and blocked and dried and folded and placed on the altar for blessing. They will then be offered to whomever might want a comforting wrap around made with love and prayers, communion and fellowship.
It is much more than the beginning of a shawl, or even a ministry. It is the beginning of the bond that forms between those who gather for this work. The sharing of stories. Sharing sadness and hope, milestones and apprehension, pain and joy -- love for one another.
This is the beginning.
