life (in general) / MOTHERHOOD

Out of the Oven

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I thought I would show pictures of a few of the first things I’ve created in my pottery class–a spoon rest and some buttons. This was my first set of buttons and I was pretty disappointed with the glazing. I’m going to try a different method next week–dipping them in glaze instead of painting the glaze on with a brush. I also forgot how much they shrink in the bisque firing so my holes are pretty small. I think my next batch will be much better. I’ve really fallen in love with making buttons–the simplicity, the plethora of color choices. So while people in my class pump out bowls and mugs and giant serving platters, I sit in the back, happily creating buttons of all shapes and sizes. I can tell that there is so much trial and error with pottery. I almost didn’t share these buttons, but oh well…it’s a learning process and I have much to learn and a long way to go before I get the look that is floating around inside my head.

Life is overwhelming me today. Dan got laid off on Friday and is picking up work here and there this week. Our budget is tight and every penny is accounted for, so I’m a little nervous.  Now, I’m sitting down to balance the checkbook, pay a few bills (i hate the beginning of the month!) and see where we are.  I have a very messy house, a ripped apart  kitchen sink because of a leaky hose, a LONG Bible study lesson to finish by this evening, a husband who is out of clean socks and work shirts, an order for a gift basket (something i do on the side) that is needed tomorrow, an order for a knitted hat that is due asap,  company coming over for dinner tomorrow, and the prospect of not being able to go "home" for Christmas for the first time (except the year emma was born) has me a little bummed out.

But then today, while out running an errand, I saw a couple crossing the street in front of my car when I was waiting at a red light. They were older, but not elderly. The woman was pushing a metal basket and was striding along in front of her husband, who had his hand placed  firmly on her shoulder. At first I thought, how nice it was–the touch of his hand on her shoulder, walking to the grocery store on a chilly fall day instead of driving in a car. But then I noticed the man’s eyes were a bit disfigured and in his other hand he carried the stick that a blind man uses to guide his way. He wasn’t using it, only holding on it. He was guided by the grip on his wife’s shoulder.
But what struck me the most was how quickly they moved–long confident strides, no shuffling, no constant checking over her shoulder, no tap-tap-tap of a cane on the ground looking for firm footing–just two people walking with a purpose and a plan.

And I realized that’s how I need to be, to live, to act, to rest–striding out in faith, in confidence, with my grip firmly planted on God’s shoulders. He is trustworthy, he won’t let me fall or  get left behind or lost. I may not be able to see what’s ahead of me, but I need to trust Him enough to take long, confident strides as He leads me forward.

Img_1541

Img_1547
I thought I would show pictures of a few of the first things I’ve created in my pottery class–a spoon rest and some buttons. This was my first set of buttons and I was pretty disappointed with the glazing. I’m going to try a different method next week–dipping them in glaze instead of painting the glaze on with a brush. I also forgot how much they shrink in the bisque firing so my holes are pretty small. I think my next batch will be much better. I’ve really fallen in love with making buttons–the simplicity, the plethora of color choices. So while people in my class pump out bowls and mugs and giant serving platters, I sit in the back, happily creating buttons of all shapes and sizes. I can tell that there is so much trial and error with pottery. I almost didn’t share these buttons, but oh well…it’s a learning process and I have much to learn and a long way to go before I get the look that is floating around inside my head.

Life is overwhelming me today. Dan got laid off on Friday and is picking up work here and there this week. Our budget is tight and every penny is accounted for, so I’m a little nervous.  Now, I’m sitting down to balance the checkbook, pay a few bills (i hate the beginning of the month!) and see where we are.  I have a very messy house, a ripped apart  kitchen sink because of a leaky hose, a LONG Bible study lesson to finish by this evening, a husband who is out of clean socks and work shirts, an order for a gift basket (something i do on the side) that is needed tomorrow, an order for a knitted hat that is due asap,  company coming over for dinner tomorrow, and the prospect of not being able to go "home" for Christmas for the first time (except the year emma was born) has me a little bummed out.

But then today, while out running an errand, I saw a couple crossing the street in front of my car when I was waiting at a red light. They were older, but not elderly. The woman was pushing a metal basket and was striding along in front of her husband, who had his hand placed  firmly on her shoulder. At first I thought, how nice it was–the touch of his hand on her shoulder, walking to the grocery store on a chilly fall day instead of driving in a car. But then I noticed the man’s eyes were a bit disfigured and in his other hand he carried the stick that a blind man uses to guide his way. He wasn’t using it, only holding on it. He was guided by the grip on his wife’s shoulder.
But what struck me the most was how quickly they moved–long confident strides, no shuffling, no constant checking over her shoulder, no tap-tap-tap of a cane on the ground looking for firm footing–just two people walking with a purpose and a plan.

And I realized that’s how I need to be, to live, to act, to rest–striding out in faith, in confidence, with my grip firmly planted on God’s shoulders. He is trustworthy, he won’t let me fall or  get left behind or lost. I may not be able to see what’s ahead of me, but I need to trust Him enough to take long, confident strides as He leads me forward.

7 comments on “Out of the Oven”

  1. wow hearing that from you so beautifully in the midst of your situation has totally ministered to me. You are so right and that is the perfect analogy.

    I’m so sorry about your husband. You said he is a carpenter right? That stinks cause I know there aren’t that many “good people” who are contractors out there. But I trust God has a much better plan for you all that will bless you even more. I will pray that way for sure. That this will catapult (sp?) him into much better things!

  2. Moll—I’m here with Jean Ann. Your meditation is great today. I will tell you where you can submit that for $50 a crack. Might as well…Upper Room. Very good.

  3. beautiful words, such an inspiration to me today…

    sorry about your husband’s job…that stinks!… and would it be too shallow for me to follow my condolences with a comment about how much I love those buttons…? the idea of making buttons in a pottery class… so genuis. I want to see more…!

  4. ” I can do everything through him who gives me strength” phil 4:13. You can do it. Just take one thing at a time, I wish I could come and help. I’m sorry about your husband losing his job, that is so hard. Take care. Ps: Those buttons ARE cute

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