I have a lifelong appreciation for timber artisans. My grandfather produced some of the most exquisite work I have ever seen. He was gifted at finding timbers with unique lines and features and then creating a piece to showcase that beauty. Many times in his shed I would observe him taking an ugly piece of old tree and transform it into a gorgeous bowl or a stunning piece of furniture.
One day I asked my grandfather to help me make something. I was about to toss a piece of timber away and grab what I thought would be perfect when he asked, “what do you have in your hand?”. He then showed me how an outwardly unattractive root burl could have the most amazing character on the inside when it was shaped and molded with the right tools.
I am reminded in Jeremiah 18 that we are like clay in the potter’s hand. Just like my grandfather demonstrated how to take something in my hand and work it into something beautiful, He is able to work, and rework, the clay to make a beautiful vessel out of us.
My grandfather taught me much more than just how to use woodwork tools. He taught me not to judge something by its appearance. He taught me that anything I bring can be made beautiful. He taught me to work with what is in my hands.
What do you have in your hands?