The Work of the Potter

Back in December, a church member asked if I might be interested in taking a hand building pottery class at Sawtooth (a school for visual art here in W-S).  She explained that it was for 8 weeks and would be from 6:30-9:00pm each Thursday night. My first response was "um, I think I might need to talk to Drew."  Well, to be honest, I didn't talk to Drew because I thought there is no way I can commit to that.

A few weeks later she asked again (persistent little thing) and I at that point I had a change in heart- and I said "let me talk to Drew."  I came home and discussed the class with Drew and immediately told her I was in!

For those of you who really know me, you know I am not known for my art abilities.  It is just not one of my gifts.  When it comes to anything crafty or creative, I quickly look to recruiting folks  (I'm a great recruiter of crafty people!).

To tell you the truth, the first night that we went to the class I was so intimidated.  I cannot tell you the last time that I tried something completely NEW.  I mean this was brand new to me!  Lucky for me I wasn't doing this alone- Pastor Bev agreed to take the class as well.  Our experienced friend, Cheryl, and her awesome daughter, Leigh, quickly showed us the ropes.

Leigh talking Bev through rolling a slab of clay. 

To say the first few weeks were rough is an understatement.  I struggled.  And because I struggled, I really wanted to throw in the towel.  Other people in the class were rocking, and well, my stuff looked like it had been made with love by a young child....

After 2 weeks of class (about 5 hours), I had this to show for it....

And then it happened- our 4th week there, I really started to get it.  I wasn't intimidated by the clay anymore.  I wasn't scared to mold it or shape it, I just did it.

 

Each week our teacher says, multiple times during each class, that clay is very forgiving.  I mean come on people, it's clay.  If I making a design on something and I mess it up, I can go back over it with a 'rib' and smooth it out- it's that simple.

Two pieces that I worked on for several weeks.  Picture on left is after they were glazed but
 before they were fired and picture on right is finished product.

Each week as I leave, I find myself reflecting on the true potter.  The one who forms us all.  And I'm thankful that I am the work of His hands.  Thankful that He constantly molds me and shapes me and that He has not given up on me.  What a beautiful thing!  The thought that His hands are constantly shaping me- the work that takes and the long-suffering that is endured- amazes me. For as I've learned in this class, it's about progress.  It takes time and it's not something that can be rushed.  

Thankful for the work of the great Potter.  Amazed by His patience and His love.