Do you remember?

Do you remember what it was like the first time you saw a beautifully turned vase, or bowl, or Christmas Ornament, or …? Can you recall the wonder at the level of skill that maker must possess and at the untold years of practice they must have had to be able to make something that spectacular? It must have taken them forever to produce something that wonderful and awe inspiring.

As we become more skilled ourselves, it is easy to forget that working with wood and other materials can produce items which astound and amaze so many folks who may not be involved in our craft. I see it every weekend all across our wonderful nation as I tend to casually display samples of my own work. After so many years and so very much time in front of the lathe most projects present only a mental challenge, not a physical one. I struggle with getting what I see in my mind’s eye to appear at the lathe. My latest project with the Laser Cut Christmas Ornament Kits has resulted in about a dozen samples of what can be produced with various kits. They include Cindy Drozda style ebony finials which seem to always astound our visitors. Although they took some effort, nowadays they present little challenge including the CA finish I use.

I have also discovered methods to enhance seemingly simple spinning tops which set them miles apart from most others I see. The varieties are endless, but the effect is always the same. As I use these techniques literally hundreds of times each weekend during the show season, they continue to draw gasps and applause no matter where I am. Others will learn these methods as well and they will bring the same joy and wonderment to their audiences.

It is easy to forget the many gifts we have been given to be able to bring spectacularly beautiful hand–made objects de’ art into existence. What a wonderful blessing to be able to give presents to our loved ones which they will treasure for perhaps generations. When we see others not as far along in their journey as we are, it is easy to view them as less valuable, less skilled, not as worthy. I would like to suggest that the better view is that of an elder brother or sister who understands the joys which still lie ahead for them. And that we rejoice with them as they learn the next steps just as the toddler who has learned to walk, but does not yet understand the joy of running full out along the sandy beach with the stimulating smell of salt air at sunrise on a cool summer morning. Rather than look down, how about presenting a hand up to that next great step, a step which you have already taken.

If we are given an opportunity to share in their joy, do that; share in their accomplishments, praise their victories, help smooth their bumps along the way. I can guarantee that someone did that for you too. Our craft is not a zero sum exercise; if someone else makes something beautiful, it doesn’t detract from something else beautiful. There is room for us all at the top of this very large mountain.

Here is my inspiration for today’s message:

Phil 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Prov 27:21 ​The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise.