MISTAKES ALWAYS TEACH YOU, AND THEY RARELY RUIN THE PIECE

Psalm 37:24 (ESV)

Though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,

    for the Lord upholds his hand.

Over the years I have spent hours and hours woodworking, During that time I’ve come to realize how much woodworking relates to our walk with God. I’m not alone.

Today I am sharing the 5th way I’ve discovered that woodworking affirms the spiritual life.

“Measure twice and cut once,” the old saying goes. I have a friend who likes to joke, “I cut it three times and it’s still too short!” Mistakes cost time and money. They can also change your language in the workshop.

But mistakes are only wasted if you don’t learn from them. This principle is true in life as well. Some of the best lessons have come through failure.

I have a friend who says “Experience is an excellent substitute teacher to instruction ignored.”

I know every flaw in every project I’ve made. My wife always reminds me that I am the only one that knows. If I choose to, I can focus in on those blemishes and miss the fact that the finished product is still a functional and attractive piece of furniture. Imperfections up close don’t keep the piece from being effectively used or from looking beautiful.

We are flawed individuals. Yet God still powerfully uses us in spite of our imperfections. What’s more, He thinks we’re beautiful because when He sees us He sees the holiness of His Son, Jesus.

Dear Lord, we thank You that You can take our imperfections and use them. Help us to not dwell on the mistakes we make but instead learn from them. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.