It’s OK To Be You

As the end of the year approaches with the inevitable New Year’s resolutions for changes, I would like to share an observation I think is common to all of us woodturners. Our craft is name–driven. What I mean by that is when we hear that someone endorses a method or product, if it is someone we have heard about before or maybe even seen at a turning symposium or on one of their videos, it has a greater impact.

Names we might all recognize are Richard Raffan, Stuart Batty, Stuart Mortimer, Nick Agar, Nick Cook, Kirk Deheer, Jimmy Clews, Carl Jacobson, Alan Stratton, Sam Angelo – Wyoming Woodturner, Tim Yoder and so many more. These folks are all recognized experts and know what they are doing. It is easy to see ourselves as not as good, less important, not as talented or as smart, good looking, well spoken, etc. I want to let you know that “It’s OK to be you.” You are important and whatever gifts or talents you have or will develop are needed in the woodturning family.

One of the things I enjoy most are the many diverse items offered on the ‘show and tell’ table at local meetings, symposiums and wood shows around the country. The variations folks come up with on Christmas Ornaments, bottle stoppers, plates and bowls, pendants, and every category there is, amazes me! Tall or short, fat or skinny, old or young, “It’s OK to be you.” Maybe you like to turn pens and you never tire of making them. Perhaps you love to make spinning tops, or bowls, or boxes. Know that what you do is meaningful and if it brings you joy; it is a gift just for you.

Scripture teaches us very clearly that each part of the body is important. The little toe is just as important as the hand, or the ear. “It is OK to be you.” I would encourage you to take part in your local woodturning club and do something no matter how small or trivial it might seem, it is important, it is necessary and it needs to be done. That is your part for the moment because wherever you go, there you are.

Sweet Janice and I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The Woodworking show season is just a few weeks away so we look forward to seeing many of you again when we are in your area.

Here is my inspiration for this message:

1Cor 12:14 NIV2

Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. (More info: Vs 12–25)

Exod 3:11 NIV2

But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”