My favorite Jewish carpenter other than Jesus is Norm Abram.
I’m a weekend woodworker, and the hobby has done more than just save me money
and provide a healthy diversion for my mind.
My subscription to Fine Woodworking sometimes frustrates me
when I read these professionals with what seems like everything I don’t have.
(Including lots of time.) Every woodworker has his or her eye on the next tool.
But I’ve discovered that with patience and ingenuity, you
can do a whole lot with a good table saw and a router. There is almost always
more than one way to do something.
Jesus’ point when He multiplied the fish and loaves—and when
He sent out the disciples with nothing for their journey—was to teach them that
He provides for their lack (Matt. 14:17-19; Luke 9:3).
The spiritual life is full of lack (that’s on purpose). You
will always have less than it seems you need. But you can do a lot with a
little if you take it to Jesus and trust Him to multiply it.
Some woodworkers like to wing it. No plans—just turn on the
saw and let her rip. That’s great if your goal is sawdust.
But for me, I’ve found it’s best to follow a plan. If it’s a
custom piece, I’ll draw my own plan. At other times, I’ll follow a plan I’ve
bought or borrowed. (I enjoy using Norm
Abram’s books.) When I fail to follow a plan, it doesn’t turn out as well, it
takes longer, it costs more, I waste wood, and I make more mistakes. If you’re
on a budget, trial and error isn’t the ideal way to do woodworking.
The plan for the spiritual life is laid out in the Bible.
When we wing it, follow no plan, we usually end up with sawdust to show for our
lives. God’s will for your life is clearly laid out in Scripture. It’s best to
stick with the plan.
“Measure twice and cut once,” the old adage goes. I have a
carpenter friend who likes to joke, “I cut it three times and it’s still too
short!” Mistakes cost time and money. They can also change your language in the
workshop. (Yes, I’ve been bilingual on occasion.)
But mistakes are only wasted if you don’t learn from them.
This principle is true in life as well. Some of the best lessons have come
through failure.
Experience is an
excellent substitute teacher to instruction ignored. (Tweet that.)
I know every flaw in every project I’ve made. If I choose
to, I can focus in on those blemishes and miss the fact that the finished
product is still a functional and attractive piece of furniture. Imperfections
up close don’t keep the piece from being effectively used or from looking
beautiful.
We are flawed individuals. Yet God still powerfully uses us
in spite of our imperfections. What’s more, He thinks we’re beautiful because
when He sees us He sees the holiness of His Son, Jesus.
Wayne Stiles
