Lessons from the Wheel (Cont.)
March 16, 2018The class has culminated and our beautiful ceramics are “adjusting” to life at home. I find myself looking at them from time to time and admiring the journey that Lauren and I embarked on. We spent time laughing, talking, and almost crying at our wheels. The smoothness of centered clay, the joys of pulling cylinders and the defeat of watching my masterpiece crumble under its own weight are the memories and challenges that beckon another run.
One result that stands out to me is the durability the kiln has brought to our creations. We considered last week that the fire brought out unseen beauty, but a few shorts weeks ago, we were carefully handling these pieces because they were very delicate. A little bit of uneven pressure on a moving wheel threw the whole piece off balance. Too little water on the wheel at the time of removal might cause the foot to stick and upend the piece before it makes it to the bisque oven. The opportunities for failure and destruction seemed many.
All that changed in the fire. What was weak had become strong. What was fragile and dainty has become useful and tough. I realize that the clay can’t talk, but imagine with me if it did. Would you agree that the mug might say, “It’s too hot in there, I’ll never survive”. But we know different. The heat will be hot but it will be exactly what’s needed to make the vessel into something more useful and more valuable. Next time you find yourself in what you might describe as a kiln, remember this is the process used to temper and strengthen us. When you consider James 1:2-4 with this in mind, it makes sense. Maybe you’d say to God, “I don’t want to go through this, it’s too hot.” Yet he knows this trial will be exactly what it takes to make us beautiful and durable. Commit to trusting Him through the hot times of life. When you do, you’ll never regret it.
Pastor Dave
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