In the past few days I have created a large mound of sawdust. In terms of a mess, it is impressive! When one looks at the output, it may not seem like much. As I have worked with the different pieces of equipment, I find myself going back to my first woodworking experience. I knew I was ready. When Dad offered to give me my first woodworking lesson, I jumped at the chance!
“Sunday.”
Even at the age of six, my imagination was already in overdrive. I imagined myself at Kit Carson Junior High covered in sawdust. I would be using a power tool, living on the edge of danger. I had no idea what I would be making but I knew it was going to be good. This was going to be a defining moment of my life. I had the coolest dad.
Sunday arrived. I was hyper-excited.
“When are we going to start?”
“After lunch.”
“I will be ready!”
My dad looked at me with a smile.
Lunch came and went. It was time! As I turned, dad came through the door of the garage carrying a bucket and a large piece of wood. “Let’s go to the porch.”
He set the bucket down and to my surprise it was full of nails and a single hammer. There were all kinds of nails – small, large, shinny, dull, straight, and even bent.
“Your woodworking lesson begins with learning how to nail. I can show you however you think you are already ready. I want you to pound the nails in this bucket into this block of wood.”
“How many nails?” I knew it would only be a few. I was ready!
“All of them.”
It was a long afternoon. I had no idea how long I would remember this moment. I recently shared some dust with a friend, I could see that we were in a different place. “I assume I’m addressing believers now who are mature.” (1 Corinthians 10.15)
Life knows what we need. Our act of listening and acting opens up endless possibilities.
