Cherry bowl turned by Charles Geiser. Personal hobbies are an extremely important tool for self-care. Turning wood requires not just skill but focus, patience, and imagination to visualize what you want to make. This bowl is an example of how to work with “imperfections” in the wood, incorporating them into the overall design, which makes the piece even more beautiful.
Sort of like us people. The rough edges we struggle with, our failings, our imperfections and vulnerabilities all stand alongwith the strengths and gifts that we also have. It’s part of what it means to be human. These often unwanted and unloved parts of ourselves are shared by others and can help us realize the vast common connections we share across all sorts of difference. All of us struggle with anger or selfishness from time to time. All of us suffer from sadness occasionally. Some struggle more with one sort of issue than another, but we all struggle. We all have parts of ourselves that we’re ashamed of. That we wish we didn’t have. This awareness can help us be more patient and kind towards others since we hope for that same patience and kindness when we’re having a bad day … or a bad week … or a bad month. And the best part is that God can use these places of struggle, of unease, to help us stretch and grow if we allow it. And in the process, we find healing and health, becoming even more beautiful. Not in spite of the imperfections, but because of them.
What imperfections are causing you unease? Where is God wanting to bring healing in your life?
~ Terri