Working with our Hands is Universal

I used to think that my mom was the only lady who crocheted and knitted and embroidered. But what did I know? I was a little girl. As I grew up, I saw that other ladies worked with their hands, too. Then I saw magazines for men with woodworking plans and I realized that men, too, worked with their hands. When I began to read handcraft magazines in the 40s, I noticed personal ads in the back. Letters came from all over. I discovered that crafters were not just in my hometown or nearby states, but all over the country. Now that I am Internet-friendly, I find that it is international, universal.
It is natural, when I think about it. Early man (and woman) had to make everything from scratch. Somewhere along the line, they must have discovered that it felt good to make some things for pleasure and not for need alone.
God obviously understands our need to work with our hands. He gave those hands to us. The Bible mentions those who work with stone, wood, and cloth. We feel good when we know we are using our skills and talents in special ways. It’s especially rewarding when our handmade projects help someone. That help might be a real need - warmth or other protection against the elements. It can also help to provide comfort, pleasure, delight, and soothe the soul.
But more than all of this, it’s heartwarming to know we are part of a larger, much larger, group of humans who love to pass their handiwork on to others.