Straight

The new work bench was calling out for drawers.  The idea seemed simple enough.  We had a good design.  Tools were at hand.  Time was available.  We just needed supplies.  As we left for Home Depot we were filled with hope!  Everything was falling together.
 
The drawer hardware seemed perfect.  Our glue was exactly what we needed.  Even the wood for the bottom of the drawers was flawless!  The facing lumber was straight, true, and beautiful.  The only pieces missing were the sides for the drawer.  The first rack was twisted and warped.  The lumber in the second rack was filled with knots.  The third rack looked very promising.  The boards were clear and straight.  The price was right.  The only niggle was why.  Why were these boards still here?  Everything else was picked over.  But not these. 
 
Our excitement was boundless as we headed home.  This was going to be awesome!  A quick break for lunch replenished our energy levels and we were back at work.  As we worked with the perfect wood the flaws began to show.  First, the flat wood seemed to develop a curve in the afternoon heat.  Second, the straight lines twisted in random ways.  Thirst, the flawless wood began to show a check or two.
 
Initially we tried to work with the wood.  We added cuts so we could flatten the now distinct curves.  We looked to find the straight sections for the sides of our drawers.  As the first drawer came together it looked like we were going to be successful!  Everything was rosy until we placed the drawer on a flat, smooth surface.  The twisting had never stopped.  The curves continued to grow.  Checks multiplied.  At best we had two sides out of four resting on the flat surface.  We ended up tossing the drawer and the wood.
 
Some, myself included at times, put on a good show.  It is always good to contrast the twists, curves, and checks with what is different.  “Those who are noble make noble plans, and stand for what is noble.”  (Isaiah 32.8)