Thanks to Dad’s introduction and instruction, I enjoy wood turning. The process of selecting a lump of wood and working with the wood to realize a transformation is an incredible experience. During and afterwards I find myself energized, refreshed, and calm. Along the way, I am experiencing, learning, and teaching.
My first hick-up came ten months ago. In the middle of making a bowl as a gift for two special friends the design was flowing and emerging in a way that went far beyond my early imagination. Roughly two thirds of the way along, I hit a roadblock. My technique wasn’t going to carry me through. My experience wasn’t sufficient. If I kept at it the only outcome I could predict with confidence was an exploded bowl lying in pieces around the lathe with a reasonably possibility of a few blood drops on some of the pieces. Something had to change!
Cherry had no knowledge of my dilemma. She wondered about the bowl sitting unfinished on the lathe but didn’t dare ask. For Christmas she decided that it would be “fun” to give me a day’s tutoring from a master wood-turner. Yesterday I took advantage of the gift.
Questions that haunted me up through yesterday morning included the following.
What was I going to learn?
I know what I am doing, who thinks they are going to teach me?
Is anything going to change because of the experience?
My resolve going into yesterday was to be open and willing to experience. The day might change my life. Who knew?
My experience with a Master comes down to the following.
Listening gave me a new opportunity.
Getting better can involved something very different from yesterday.
Working with someone is powerful, energizing, and life changing.
Today I have the opportunity to step up and practice, teach others, and grow.
The Spirit is here, ready to instruct, guide, and listen.
“Anyone on God's side listens to God's words. This is why you're not listening—because you're not on God's side.” (John 8.47)
