A Little Encouragement Goes A Long Way
The first Woodworking show of the 2018 season is now behind us and I would like to share my biggest highlight. Our goal is to truly serve our clientele however we can. Sometimes it is a product or a service, but more often it is advice and once in a while, encouragement.
Late Sunday afternoon nearing closing time a father with two young teen aged sons stopped at our booth and this is what he told me. “I’m sure you don’t remember us, but a couple of years ago we watched one of your demonstrations. When everyone else had gone you took what seemed like a very long time talking with us and answering our numerous questions. We didn’t even buy anything then. The boys were excited and asked if we could try this turning thing. The next Christmas, I gave them a lathe and some tools and taught them to turn pens. We began to spend more and more time together learning to turn on that little lathe. The boys lived with their mother at the time. They were so excited that they asked to come live with me. Ron, you literally gave me my sons back.”
One of the boys showed me a couple of pens he had turned himself. I examined them carefully and thoughtfully and said “You have done a really masterful job on these pens. I can tell that you took your time to get the fit just right. The finish is flawless and you should be very proud. I think you have become a very skilled pen maker.” He didn’t say much but the look on his face let me know how much those encouraging words meant to him.
A little encouragement goes a long way when it is sincere and specific. It didn’t take much of my time and God only knows I really didn’t have all that much to do with getting this family back together, but maybe I got to play a small part. I met the new mom and I was grateful to know that my encouragement might have had helped a family get back on track.
When you have the chance, encourage someone. Be sincere and be specific. Generalities can be good, but if you take the time to mention something specific it will have a much stronger impact. We all need encouragement including me. Don Russell encouraged me when I first started turning and gave me my first opportunity to demonstrate in public. Dale Nish bought one of my Christmas ornaments then later included four more of my ornaments in his book in the gallery section. Bonnie Kline complimented some of my spinning tops. I had better stop before I get the big head! A little sincere encouragement goes a long way. The same is true of criticism so don’t.
We have ten more shows left this show season and Sweet Janice and I look forward to seeing many more of you before it is over. Thanks for all you do and for your patience during this extremely busy time for us because wherever you go, there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this message.
Rom 12:8 NIV if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
1Thess 4:18 NIV Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Job 16:5 NIV But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.
This week's show is in West Springfield, Ma. Thank you for a wonderful 2017.
Eastern States Exposition 1305 Memorial Avenue West Springfield, MA 01089
Show Schedule Here
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Just so you know, here is a partial list of the items we make right in our own shop in Atlanta, Georgia, USA:
Amazing Doughnut Chucks, Amazing Bucket Caddy, Universal Setting Jig, Quad Setting Jig, Golden Mean Calipers, Indexing Wheels, Laser Cut Kits and Inlays, Gluing Guides for Laser Cut Kits, Made By Medallions for your work, Gouge SetUp Blocks, Angle Gauge SetUp Blocks, How-To DVD's 100% produced and published in-house
Special prices for Club Buys
If your club is interested in putting a Group Buy together, CBN Wheels for example 10 or more, Laser Cut Kits 50 or more, Turners Laser Guides 10 or more, Amazing Doughnut Chucks or Longworth Chucks, I can provide very special pricing. Drop me a note at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Made By Medallions Identify your work
This year, mark your treasures with a professionally created wooden "Made By Medallion" available in 1" and 1-1/4" disks with your name and information. Cut from 1/8" Baltic Birch, you simply drill a shallow recess with a Forstner bit and glue it permanently in place. Those who receive your treasure know exactly who made it and if you wish, how to contact you.
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Amazing Doughnut Chuck™ Instructions
ProGrind Instructions
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