It is easy to build something once you have spent time with a master, or at least it seems significantly easier than it would have been. Sensing and talking about the planning behind the scene that prepared the way for the seemingly effortless work on the project at hand is just the first step. The veteran takes steps here, avoids the obvious solution there, and navigates a course that defies one’s young understanding. Plot your own course if you will, but remember it is at your risk with nobody else to blame. For good and worse, it is the scenes of my youth replayed yet again.
I never knew what was coming next. Like many I did not really care. Why worry about tomorrow when today was here for living? The shirt had my name on it and the credit card was burning, so who cares what the cash flow looks like this month? It was as if I could not, would not learn from the lessons of the people in my life that cared for me. Freedom was mine but the price for responding to the god within was much higher than I ever anticipated.
Something happened along the way. Anticipating the next in my life became important. I found myself thirsting to know that the steps I that would lead me to a destination reflecting values and priorities I held close to my heart. As I looked, listened, and dialogued with those around me the words, omens if you like, from God were laid out in plain sight for me. I had to choice of opening my eyes to see, reaching out to hold onto, and finally put into practice the very actions and approaches that reflected my true desires.
“If you quit listening, dear child, and strike off on your own, you’ll soon be out of your depth.” (Proverbs 19.28)
A block of hardwood rests on my lathe untouched for many months. I have no idea of what I should do next unless I remember the words of the master, just like today.
