Being satisfied is great. You know that you have done your best. The results are near perfect. Teamwork clicked in at the right time. Everything has come together for a great result. This is awesome!
The other side is irritating. You work hard, but the results just do not come. Teamwork was ok, but there more could have come together. If only one knew what to do. Experience would help. Time with a master practitioner would do the job. The results are not as good as they could be.
I have spent time recently experimenting with making bowls. The process of selecting a piece of wood, shaping it into a new creation is a rewarding act of creativity. The problem is that I really do not know what I am doing! Sure, I know almost enough so I will not hurt myself. I wear eye protection. My hands are in the right place. I try to hold the tools in the proper way. If one does not know how things could be, the results are awesome! The dilemma is that I know better.
The finish is not as smooth as it could be. There are slight rings in the bottom of the bowl from my chisel. The finish on the end grain is not perfectly smooth. The shape and finish of the leading edge could be refined and without blemish. There is so much more that I could do, if only I knew how.
I am not satisfied with my bowls. I am happy that I know a wood turner who is willing to spend time with me. I know that I will spend time listening, understanding, and learning. I do know that in the end, the bowls are my choice.
I want more out of life than I am getting. I want to experience peace, happiness, and love. I want to be able to reach out to those who are hurting and in need of help.
David gave Solomon, you, and I the best advice. “Forage for Understanding!” (Proverbs 4.5) Never stop searching for God.
