Life Is a Journey, Not a Destination

We won’t know our final destination until our journey comes to an end. Along the way are fantastic opportunities for excitement, satisfaction, creative expression, a disappointment every now and then and ways to leave this place better than we found it. Many of us came from way less than humble beginnings, myself included, but the path we choose for today is up to us.

I have recently had another “extraordinary” opportunity to learn something new that is both very challenging and very exciting. I tend to be a bit controlling (what Ron a control freak?) sad but true. In a moment of introspection on my quest for constant self–improvement I stepped away and let someone else turn loose their creative genius and although it took great self–control I kept my mouth shut and let them go to completion. I wouldn’t have done it that way if they had asked me first, I would’ve said no. But, what came out of their efforts with their individual vision and methodology was nothing short of exceptional. This person was excited, happy and enthusiastic about what they had accomplished and I must say so was I.

For me the lesson was clear and resounded in my own mind as I preach it often “there is always more than one right way to do something”. There is seldom a “wrong” way unless it is dangerous and could result in injury. Other than that like Dr. Phil says, “How’s that working for you?” If it is working for you keep going, if it’s not try something else. I don’t know who learned the greater lesson but it was probably me.

Don’t be afraid to do something different especially when it comes to something as creative as turning wood who says the Fibonacci Rule, the Golden Mean, and absolute ratio of 1 to 1.614 applies in every situation? Who says you can’t cut uphill? Who says you can’t use a bowl gouge on a spindle or a spindle gouge on a bowl? Don’t get hurt but also don’t be afraid to try something different, you might be as pleasantly surprised as I was.

Here’s hoping you manage to leave dullness behind,

Ron Brown

Prov. 15:33 The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.