Common Interests – Uncommon Benefits
Woodturners started forming clubs where they could come together once a month to exchange ideas, methods and techniques between 40 and 50 years ago. In 1986 the American Association of Woodturners was founded and today boasts a membership in excess of 15,000 with local chapters all over the world. They held the 2019 National Symposium in Raleigh, N.C. this past weekend.
Local chapter membership crosses all boundaries and is all inclusive. The only qualification for membership is an interest in turning things on a wood lathe. Their purpose is singularly focused on education and service to others around their common interest in turning wood (ok acrylic, resin casting, surface adornment, etc.) but a wood lathe is involved most of the time. I have been privileged to visit clubs from coast to coast and border to border and the membership is as diverse as the peoples of our nation. Doctors, lawyers, judges, truck drivers, bus drivers, business owners, moms and dads, grandpas, Republicans, Democrats, straight, gay, white, black, green and purple, they are all there.
We unite around our common interest and put aside our differences as we move toward a common goal, to become better at turning wood. And I believe we are all better for it. My life has been made richer because of the friendships I’ve made with folks I never would have met outside of our common interest in turning wood and I’ll bet many of you can say the same. Through the power of worldwide social media, the universe of folks who share my interest in wood centered art is ever expanding. I have “friends” across the world these days and new ideas are shared in photos on a daily basis.
If you too share a thirst for learning more about the craft of woodturning, join a turning club in your area. If you are already a member, get more active. Consider hosting a half-day hands-on session at your shop for 2 or 3 of the new guys that you don’t know very well. Some will be new turners; others will be new members with great turning skills. Get to know them and you will be surprised at what they can bring to the table. Maybe they will feel the same way about you.
If you are going to be a successful fisherman, you have to go a lake or river where the fish are. You won’t catch many fish in your own backyard pool. The emphasis here is on going somewhere and doing something. Nothing much happens when you are stationary. Remember that wherever you go, there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this week’s message:
Luke 12:57 MSG "You don't have to be a genius to understand these things. Just use your common sense,
Acts 18:3 MSG Paul moved in with them, and they worked together at their common trade of tentmaking.
1 Corinthians 1:10 MSG I have a serious concern to bring up with you, my friends, using the authority of Jesus, our Master. I'll put it as urgently as I can: You must get along with each other. You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common.
P.S. No club in your area? Start your own. I did and I wrote a manual on how to do it. You can download it for free here: https://www.ronbrownsbest.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=4&page=2 and scroll down to “Starting a Club”. You will have to be registered on my website (free) and logged in.
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