I am wood turner wanabe. I finally have the equipment. A blue machine with black accessories, long metal swords with specially shaped blades, eye guards, and special wrenches sit waiting. A stack of turning blanks awaits their final destiny in a sack resting in a quiet corner. All kinds of wood are represented – oak, lime, and myrtle to name a few. A fine coat of wood dust and shavings coats the walls and niches. You might think that you are in the place of a master.
The truth is far more sobering. My results to date are limited to a single bowl and one explosion! The desire is there. Strong motivation is present. Learning is underway, albeit slowly. It looks so easy when you are watching! Small things cause one to struggle; the lip of a bowl, bottom curve, and getting a baby smooth finish are major challenges.
Like many things, I jump before taking a peak. Consequently, my own weakness frustrates my ability to achieve my goals. My bowl explosion occurred innocently. A little too much pressure and a fatal flaw in the wood released two flying objects that slammed into the wall. Fortunately, the wood flew the away from the car and me. Due to my safety precautions, there was nothing to catch and take with the objects. Not one fingers or articles of clothing! However, I did not think about the fungus that might be growing in the rotten wood. My ignorance may yet come back to haunt me.
I could struggle on, trying to learn everything myself. Even if I did this, how would I know I succeeded? The alternative is plain. Spend some time with my father. Learn from someone who has already been through the experience. Do not try to do it all by my self!
In my life, the lesson is just as simple. We could struggle on, trying to do everything by ourselves. Or, we could “trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own.” (Proverbs 3.5)
Hello, Father…
