>Yesterday I had the privilege of taking a funeral for a man who had been a carpenter all his life. Aside from this being Jesus’ family business, there’s something about carpentry that I find fascinating – probably because I struggle to do it. There are one or two pieces of wooden furniture in our house that I made myself and which are still standing, but I don’t think that in a century’s time they will be eulogizing them on the equivalent of the Antiques Roadshow!
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| The Nelson Woodcraft Team and some of their work |
I was struggling to find the words to use to describe what it is about carpentry that is so special, so I phoned a carpenter friend of mine (hi Dave!) and asked him what he would say. I am paraphrasing him a bit, but he spoke of how he found joy in taking the wood that God had made and bringing out the beauty and strength of the wood in a piece of furniture or other work. He said that when he gets a fresh piece of wood he pauses and looks at it, admiring it and seeing how it inspires him. He described his work as ‘art without paintbrushes’. Having re-read the blog I feel I ought to clarify that the Nelson Woodcraft Team picture above relates to Dave, who is not the person whose funeral I led. Dave is alive and well.
I found that helpful in understanding master craftsmen and also understanding The Master Craftsman. Consider him looking at us and imagining what we can become. Think of the joy it causes God when he looks at you and anticipates bringing out your inherent beauty and strength which he placed in you when he was forming you in the womb.
That thought gave me a lift. Hope it helps you too!
nukelearfishing 
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