This week I've tried to explore a different aspect of how God has created me every day, and my favorite undertaking by far was the creation of a custom bookshelf. A few months back I had the vision for it's design out of some crates I bought at JoAnn's . I got as far as applying a custom stain (made from vinegar, steel wool, and used coffee grounds), but when it came to executing the construction of my design... I was at a complete loss.
That's when this incredible man came to the rescue.
Jan is described best by his son-in-law as, "Exactly what people mean when they say 'salt of the earth'." He's right. Jan and his wife Sue are an incredible couple who love each other, love their family, love Jesus, and thankfully, love me. Jan offered to help me with this project, and with his expertise, time, and enviable amount of power tools, my vision became a reality.
Over the 2 days we spent building this together I learned so much about carpentry, wood working, math (although reluctantly), and had great conversations with Jan and Sue. There was something so satisfying in thinking through the structural problems my design presented, coming up with solutions, and coming to understand why this type of work is so fun for Jan.
I found myself on the verge of elation with every piece of wood we cut. As the picture I had held in my mind for months became a reality, I was practically in tears. I hate to admit it, but this is one of the few creative projects I've conceived that's seen it's way to completion (as I type this I'm sitting next to an advent calendar that is one piece shy of 25- and yes, it is January).
Completing this bookshelf was a big step for me in becoming who God made me to be; imaginative, creative, and built with the capacity to complete the tasks I've set my mind to. I have no doubt that this beautiful piece of furniture will hold many books, frames, and knick-knacks in the years to come, and will follow me to many houses, making each one feel like a home.
*I've written a bit more about the "Becoming Myself" aspect of this experience HERE
I love this bookshelf...and the lesson(s) you learned while making it...and YOU so much!
ReplyDeletethis bookshelf is AMAZING!! i love it!
ReplyDeleteThank you again, Cathi, for the kind words. And I also want to re-emphasize that this project may have been as exciting for me as it was for you, but [of course] for different reasons. Over the course of the last 1-1/2 years we have spend significant time together, but except for a few deep conversations, it has been mostly at a distance at T&H's. This project was one-on-one for many hours and several "extended" meals with Sue joining us. I relish the time together. I relish you! You have touched me in so many ways, especially as you have so graciously worked through some of your pain in our midst and as you have intentionally taken on challenges that, in turn, have challenged me. You are a delight, and I pray there will be many more instances where we can "work" together, whatever that may entail - mutually getting to know the Lord and each other more deeply.
ReplyDeleteOne more thing, just so you know. Your words "and thankfully, love me" [3rd paragraph above] somehow translates to me that you may feel ineligible for our love, or . . . you may not deserve our love. I also wonder if you see our relationship as a daughter would to her father, in some sense equating to the lower relating to the higher. Again, just so you know, my relationship with Hilary and Ben has transcended in almost every way the familial ties and has evolved into a relationship between adults. I feel I gain every bit as much from them as they hopefully still gain from me. To me that is pure joy. And to me you occupy a similar position.
We are on the same plane, relating to one another as equally unique creations of our Heavenly Father, equally capable of giving and receiving, and of sharing wisdom, spiritual insights, and a few good laughs. Your transparency both challenges and disarms me. Though we haven't done it often [yet], our bedrock discussions fulfill a lingering need of mine - to talk about what is real [there's a much longer story behind this that I think I have touched on but not fully shared]. You satisfy my soul deeply, and I am so thankful for your willingness to engage me on that level.
You have become a significant and meaningful part of my life. And though I am afraid I'm trying to convince you of your eligibility, what I really need to tell you is that I have chosen to love you, for who you are. For those parts of you I know, and those I don't. From now until I die [and, for that matter, beyond]. As I am capable in the Lord's power, I want to be available to you as His Will plays out in our relationship. And I thank God that our paths have met ! ! !