Being Right

The piece of ash has been drying for two years.  It was a wonderful piece of wood, perfect, at least in my imagination!  I had dreamed of how I was going to trim, plane, sand, and finish the piece.  I knew exactly how it would come together.  I had no doubts.  There were no fears.  With tools, design, and an approach in mind, nothing could get in my way.
 
Even in hindsight, my plan was good.  I had applied the right logic and discipline to the challenge.  I had carefully reviewed the options, taking a course that was prudent yet creative.  Nothing was going to get in my way of success.  Everything was aligned, except the wood itself.  Somehow, someway, the wood had a voice.  It did not want to go that direction.  I could force it, but that was not the plan. 
 
The more time I spend in the shop, the more I learn to listen to the voices of those that do not normally speak.  This includes listening to the wood involved in a project.  I know that I am not hearing voices and yet, it seems as though each piece of wood has a unique tone and quality to it.  There is guidance if I am willing to listen.  There are suggestions if I am open to considering.  There is even definitive “no” voices if I am aware.
 
As I worked with the wood, I hear its voice as an invitation.  The slight change in perspective changed my approach.  I listened and followed.  I heard and responded.  The outcome was better than my imagination.  The gift was more than my dreams.  Being right was far less important than following the process.
 
I am not the first one to discover this.  When two wisdom fathers were on a journey, “they went to Phrygia, and then on through the region of Galatia.  Their plan was to turn west into Asia province, but the Holy Spirit blocked that route.”  (Acts 16.6)  Instead of forcing it, they tried another direction.
 
Today is an opportunity to listen.