Struggle
“I plan and think it through, I measure and cut and measure and look at it from all angles. A lot of planning goes into this… but, I never use a template or copy another work. Art is about the struggle – and the struggle is what gives the piece its charm. You can always tell if an artist struggled with the piece – and it brings a fullness and character that is not there in a copy.” – Tomas
It’s been four weeks since I started my wood carving class under Tomas, a middle-aged Hispanic master carver, painter and craftsman. Under his instruction, he is teaching me to see objects and realities as they really are – apart from our background and biases. The purpose is to understand the world around us, its shapes and dimensions, so we can create a piece of art. However, as I’ve been working, struggling, with my carving, I’ve noticed some truths about God’s workmanship in our lives.
I’ve noticed how Tomas plays a similar role in woodcarving as Christ does in my life. I struggle and fail and he encourages me, guides me and teaches me to see with new eyes. I can use the same techniques, the same tools and with the same end in mind, but if I don’t see the grain of the wood and the overall shape and proportions of the object, the piece will be misshapen and rough. Large chunks will break off (and they do!) rather than smooth, small chips. I can walk around and “play Christian” but if I don’t respond to the Holy Spirit and see things from God’ perspective, I will fall into ruins. The difference between an artist and an average person is their ability to see, not they’re ability to wield a tool. In the same way, the difference between a Christian and a non-believer is their ability to see the reality of Truth in everyday life. Once you were blind, now you can see. As a seer, it’s your obligation to work, to struggle and to yield to the instruction of the Lord. Through the struggle, a character will develop -- a character that lives faithfully under the omnipotent hand of a wise and loving Master.
I think that’s the big struggle for Christians -- they approach the Christian life the way I first approached wood carving. I wanted to get the techniques down… but Tomas wanted me to see. I wanted to create a masterpiece my first day, but Tomas wanted me to struggle and grow.
Thank you, Lord, for teaching me through struggles. Take away any comfort I have that is not your voice. I am afraid of what I am asking – but I trust you are good. Amen
It’s been four weeks since I started my wood carving class under Tomas, a middle-aged Hispanic master carver, painter and craftsman. Under his instruction, he is teaching me to see objects and realities as they really are – apart from our background and biases. The purpose is to understand the world around us, its shapes and dimensions, so we can create a piece of art. However, as I’ve been working, struggling, with my carving, I’ve noticed some truths about God’s workmanship in our lives.
I’ve noticed how Tomas plays a similar role in woodcarving as Christ does in my life. I struggle and fail and he encourages me, guides me and teaches me to see with new eyes. I can use the same techniques, the same tools and with the same end in mind, but if I don’t see the grain of the wood and the overall shape and proportions of the object, the piece will be misshapen and rough. Large chunks will break off (and they do!) rather than smooth, small chips. I can walk around and “play Christian” but if I don’t respond to the Holy Spirit and see things from God’ perspective, I will fall into ruins. The difference between an artist and an average person is their ability to see, not they’re ability to wield a tool. In the same way, the difference between a Christian and a non-believer is their ability to see the reality of Truth in everyday life. Once you were blind, now you can see. As a seer, it’s your obligation to work, to struggle and to yield to the instruction of the Lord. Through the struggle, a character will develop -- a character that lives faithfully under the omnipotent hand of a wise and loving Master.
I think that’s the big struggle for Christians -- they approach the Christian life the way I first approached wood carving. I wanted to get the techniques down… but Tomas wanted me to see. I wanted to create a masterpiece my first day, but Tomas wanted me to struggle and grow.
Thank you, Lord, for teaching me through struggles. Take away any comfort I have that is not your voice. I am afraid of what I am asking – but I trust you are good. Amen
posted by Brad at 1:21 PM
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