Fertile Ground — Seeds Planted — Bountiful Harvest

I recently had an opportunity to take part in a club meeting where the topic was “your favorite handmade Christmas gifts”. It just so happens that I had personally taught many classes at this particular club going back over 18 years. As various members shared their favorite gifts a very common theme emerged. I listened to member after member reiterate that handmade gifts presented to family and friends were always the most appreciated, treasured and remembered gifts, even if they are not perfectly made.

As an instructor/teacher it was pretty overwhelming to see that fully 50% of their “favorite gifts” were items which had been featured in one of my classes. Although each and every member had put their own twist on their item, my fingerprints were unmistakable. It was pretty humbling as many of the members stood to describe some of their favorite gifts, they took time to thank me for having introduced them to a particular item in one of my classes.

If you look back into your own Christmases, the gifts which you treasure most are often likely to be gifts which someone made with their own hands. I was a little kid back in the 1950s and up until just a few years back I still had the sock monkey that my mother sewed for me nearly 60 years ago. Underneath it all the thing that motivates me to get up and do what I do every day is that very special look in the eyes of a loved one when they receive a handmade gift from their father, mother, grandpa, relative or close family friend. It is my happy assignment to teach people how to make those gifts many of which are destined to become family heirlooms and treasures more precious than gold for their loved ones. That is how I know my calling is teaching and beyond that I am called to teach woodworking and woodturning. There is tremendous power when you know what you are called to do and are actually doing it.

This Christmas season I encourage you to make some gifts with your own hands not worrying if they are perfect in every way, but doing it with the full knowledge that your gift will be remembered long into the future because they came from you. Don’t leave anyone out thinking that they wouldn’t appreciate your gift; they will. Always remember, wherever you go there you are.

Here is my inspiration for this message:

Col 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men, 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.