Weaving into a Fuller Image of God

For most of this young man’s 26 years, his thoughts remained locked inside his body and other parts of his being. As a young man on the autism spectrum, he spoke very few words and was highly anxious. Five years later, he freely speaks many words and full sentences. His grandfather now delights in his greetings and conversations. In fact, this young man is now “Mr. Hospitality” at the Annandale Art & Textile Center1 where he is employed as a weaver.

When people enter the shop, he greets them with a hearty, “Welcome to the Annandale Art and Textile Center!” He then proceeds to explain the weaving process he uses as he creates artistic fabrics. He also proudly shows visitors the attractive Disability Pride wall hanging he created.

“How did this happen?” you might ask.

His full self has been unlocked through the process of weaving. Studies show that weaving helps people on the autism spectrum develop skills and vocabulary, breaking some of the bonds of autism.2 Today this young man expresses pride in himself and his beautiful woven creations. He openly talks with familiar people along with new ones he meets. He is often gregarious as he converses with people who visit the shop. He cares deeply about what he and his colleagues, others like him, are creating. And he cares about the people he meets.

This young man is a living example of the words of G. K. Chesterton: “God made us in his own image and likeness, and we’ve been returning the favor ever since.” His vocation as a weaver provides the opportunity to design with color and requires the coordination of tactile stimuli, motor skills, repetitive and meaningful motion — all of which can help address cognitive and behavioral challenges.3

Weaving is helping the young man become his full self in the image and likeness of God. His transformation calls for “alleluias.” The alleluias also sing out for the efforts and care of those who guide him, who trust in the potential fuller release of the image of God in all their employees. Might this trust and release be a way that Jesus the Christ comes into our midst today — at the Annandale Art and Textile Center and in our daily lives as we serve as carriers of good news, the good news of Advent and Christmas.

1 Annandale Art & Textile Center: a non-profit home of the “Heart of the Lakes Weavers.” https://www.artandweaving.com/

2/3 https://www.google.com/search?q=autism+and+weavi

Mary Reuter, OSB

Photo: Weaving image from Annandale Art & Textile Center. Photo by Diane Deters