It's that special time of year in the South when the outdoors beckon and nature "teases" with alternating days of gentle warmth and the last vestiges of cold. The daffodils have put on their early show, as well as the forsythia and Bradford pear trees, while the dogwood and azalea are preparing for their stage entrance. We have bleeding heart in our garden which is like the "trumpeter" of Spring .... emerging from the ground and offering it's pink blossoms in what seems like a matter of days... Following closely behind, the hosta starts to emerge from the ground And the Dogwoods prepare to join the azaleas in their floral display Besides the urge to go outside and "play...
A New Year always brings contemplation of the past and anticipation of what is to come. Like most, we find ourselves pondering all that is ahead and how we can be more productive. This past year has been a real "learning curve" for us in that not only have we expanded our woodworking, we've also had to tackle the daunting task (for us anyway:) of this website, social media, and even taking the plunge into the world of weekend markets. It's been both exhilarating and exhausting at times! If you're reading this, however, you're the reason we keep at it..... because we love the opportunity to engage with others sharing what we make, what we learn, and what we love.........
Lately I've been working on a "special" project. It's nothing complicated..... no new or innovative design............not particularly "fine" woodworking............and yet, it's immensely satisfying. I was asked to make toy cars to place in Christmas "shoe boxes" that will go to needy children with a message of God's love. Such a "small" thing...........but a welcome opportunity to allow the Lord to use my woodworking skills for something to impact the hearts of little ones I will probably never meet. Everything I have is mine only by the grace of God...........and that goes for my talents and abilities. As I cut, sand and drill these little wooden vehicles I can imagine the hands that may treasure a small toy and the heart...
My wife and I took a ride the other day to purchase a load of wood. Our journey took us eastward through the "foothills" area of the north Georgia mountains. Once past the multi-lane congestion of Atlanta, we wound our way through the picturesque countryside on the way to our destination. It was a beautiful early Fall day. The destination turned out to be a workshop full of some prime hardwood which was being sold in preparation for closing out the shop. The owner, a very pleasant and industrious young man was preparing to pursue missionary work in Africa in a few months. He patiently took the time to let us look through his wood supply and make our selections....
In a previous post I talked about how we have to be willing to initiate transparency. Sharing our deeper hurts or struggles can be risky, but it’s the bedrock for a meaningful relationship. While doing work in the prison I didn’t ask anyone what they did wrong to get incarcerated, instead I shared my own past failures that would have or should have landed me a seat next to theirs. Transparency makes us vulnerable and sometimes others don't reciprocate. I’ve had times when others used what I shared with them against me, but as I stated before, who was the loser? If I am willing to take the risk first, then I open the door to an honest exchange...
