A True Artisan and Craftswoman (11/29/2024)

Yesterday, my husband and I traveled to Lisbon, Iowa to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family. After a scrumptious and abundant luncheon, we sat and visited. I found myself sitting between Kenneth’s sister and her granddaughter. And we had the most wonderful conversation. She is a true and accomplished artisan and craftswoman who creates pieces of furniture, clocks, and household accessories. As she showed us photos of her creations, I was amazed at what this young woman could do. Her work is exquisite.

As we drove back home last evening, my husband and I shared conversations we had with family that the other was there to hear. We talked about our good times catching up with loved ones. But the joy this young woman demonstrated as she spoke about her trade, her craft, that kept coming to mind. Her labor had purpose.

As I brought my day to the LORD late last evening, I had a great deal to thank the LORD for beginning with safe travel and a wonderful time with family. And I brought this young woman to my prayer and asked the LORD to continue to kindle the fire of her creativity and the joy she gleans from doing what the LORD has called her and equipped her to do. And I found myself asking the LORD to kindle in me the fire of creativity and joy also – to help me see the good in the things the LORD leads me to do for others and to glean joy from the simple act of doing that to which I am called.

I will never be an artisan or craftswoman, but the LORD has gifted me in other ways. The gift Emily gave me yesterday was remembering that these gifts from the LORD are meant to be used for the good of others and the joy that comes from doing that good. Thank You, LORD. I needed that reminder.

As we journey through this life, we are called to discern the LORD’s will for us as well as the gifts the LORD has given to us uniquely for this journey. We are called to discover the purpose of our being unique to us – the role we and only we can play in the ongoing salvific mission of the LORD. And if we take the time to discern, if we take the energy and the skill and the grace showered upon us, and if we use it for the good of others and the glory of the LORD, there is such joy!

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.