It’s Perfect!
In turning wood free-hand, very rarely does anything turn out perfect. Our projects can be good, very good or absolutely amazing, but almost never perfect. When I founded the Gwinnett Woodworker’s Association in 1998, part of our format was a time for Show & Tell. Members brought projects they had been working on to show the rest of the members and share with us various challenges and victories they encountered along the way.
Invariably the craftsperson would point out the flaws, mistakes and imperfections as they presented their item to the class. It didn’t take long before I implemented a rule prohibiting the sharing of flaws; some so small you would have needed a magnifying glass just to see them. It took some time, but I reasoned that if no one saw the mistake then it wasn’t worth mentioning.
Almost all diamonds have flaws, inclusions, discoloration, etc. but the jeweler doesn’t point them out and still demands a huge amount of money for an imperfect stone! Why should we be eager to point out the deficiencies in our work? I can tell you why – we don’t want to brag or seem boastful. We want folks to think of us a humble. God forbid that we achieve near perfection. The truth is we are incredibly proud of what we made or we wouldn’t have brought it to share before other club members. And I can tell you from personal experience that many turners have every right to be very proud of their work. Don’t belittle yourself by finding something wrong with your creation.
We spend hundreds if not thousands of hours perfecting our skills, methods and techniques not to mention the many thousands of dollars spent on lathes, turning chisels and related jigs, fixtures, and equipment. If you were to capitalize the cost of your shop for each bowl, box or pen you make you might be surprised to learn that a simple bowl made from “free” wood might cost $200 or more fully amortized.
I once figured out that the fish I brought home from my guided fishing trip ended up costing about $400 a pound! All I’m saying is that the talent, skills and expertise we have practiced and developed should be a source of pride and that there is no need to point out the imperfections. No one who matters cares anyway. If you have some flaws, try to do better next time. Remember that the greatest craftsman in the universe made you and you have flaws (I’m guessing here). He doesn’t point out your flaws so don’t point out the little imperfections in stuff you make. You look perfect to me. And also remember that wherever you go, there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this message:
Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.
2 Samuel 22:31 NIV “As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.
Jas 3:2 HCSB for we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a mature man who is also able to control his whole body.
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