The Dreaded Carpenter
"By a Carpenter mankind was made, and only by that Carpenter can mankind be remade." -Desiderius Erasmus
I'm far from a carpenter, but I get the point of how important carpentry is. When I look around me, anywhere I may be, I see the thoughtful work of a master carpenter. There is wood work all around us from kitchen cabinets to countertops and closet space, to elegant dining room tables and chairs, to exquisite living room furniture, to China cabinets and coffee tables, night stands, conference tables, fine sculptures and carvings, to large sheds and barns, to even the very framing of one's home. It's so fitting that Yahweh (God) sent Jesus into the world as the Son of a carpenter. Jesus learned carpentry from his earthly father, Joseph, but He was so much more to the world...Lord, Savior, King, Master...God!
The "would-be" Carpenter
Since moving to the country, I've learned how to be somewhat handy with tools and even wood cutting tools like saws and drills. I've been able to build some cool things. The greatest accomplishment thus far is the 10-foot farm table and bench that I constructed for our new dining room (see Episode 3 for details). We are all about breaking bread with others (even though we don't really eat much bread). We absolutely love this table and look forward to starting a future family legacy. Who knows, maybe my boys will build tables for the "breaking of bread" in their homes, when they get married.
Happy, Idle, Miserable
"It is the working man who is the happy man. It is the idle man who is the miserable man." -Benjamin Franklin
Like many men, I am happy when busy at something. I don't like to lay around, plus my wife always has plenty for me to do. Next day, next task, next project. My wife is the type that will go on Pinterest and then tell me what I'm making for her. Remember that I'm still learning how to use tools and equipment. But, I have to admit, it's getting easier and easier. So, she decided that she wanted a succulent wall (or display on our wall). I had no idea what that was but, she showed me a pictures and instructions at eastcoastcreativeblog.com, and it was on! I needed to make it with plywood and pine, so I went to Home Depot and got all of the supplies. With a new-found respect for measuring and cutting, my son, Ayri, was ready to help get it all organized.
Worth The Result
"Nothing ever comes to one, that is worth having, except as a result of hard work." -Booker T. Washington
How many times have you started something and realized that it wasn't as simple as it seemed? We had all of the pieces cut and the screws to fasten. All we needed to do was put the boxes together, paint them and get them fastened to the plywood. Easily said. As I started drilling in the wood screws, the pieces started splitting and I was losing wood fast. I realized that I either needed to nail them together or at least start the holes with a nail (and follow up with the screws). It worked perfectly and we were able to save many of the boxes. It's amazing the way God grants a little wisdom when you ask.
Good Today = Good Tomorrow
"The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today."
-Elbert Hubbard
The fruit of tomorrow is produced from the lessons of today. We play the way we practice, right? Getting this "Succulent Wall" painted, fastened and completed was such a great bonding experience for me and Ayri. We spent some good time talking about God, sports, Lego's, video games and listened to good music from my brother Sivion (check him out. No, really! Check him out!). Ayri is really growing up and I'm proud to have him as my helper and partner in our home projects. He has truly matured into a hard-working and respectable young man. The sky is the limit for him. I encourage you to get your kids involved with the tasks and projects of your home. It teaches them about hard work, selflessness and empowerment; all things that have been sadly replaced with laziness, selfishness and enabling in our modern culture. I'll leave you with one last quote:
"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.." -King Solomon
Be blessed, always!
Be blessed, always!
Like this blog? Please comment below and share!
Stay Essentially Fueled with Physical and Spiritual Fitness below...
Stay Essentially Fueled with Physical and Spiritual Fitness below...
RSS Feed
