Sometimes things make more sense when I talk them out. Does that happen to you, too? Today I was talking with a good friend, and as I gave her a word picture of how I was feeling, it all became clear to me. If you "get" this, you'll get it; if not, it's okay.
Here is the analogy:
A young man once began to follow in his family's carpentry business. His father was a carpenter, and his grandfather was a carpenter. Several of his uncles and cousins were carpenters as well.
This young man had a wife who also learned his trade. Together they built tables...beautiful, sturdy tables. The tables were hand-crafted of some of the finest wood available, intricately carved, and finished with a smooth, satiny stain. Everyone who saw the tables commented on their beauty and craftsmanship.
There was only one problem: the couple could not seem to sell their tables. Oh, they sold one or two here and there, but never enough to provide for their growing family. It seemed that while many people praised the young carpenter on his skills, few would actually purchase his wares.
The couple struggled and struggled for years trying to make ends meet, working diligently in their craft, and pinching every penny that did come their way. Until one day the young man finally made a painful decision: he would leave his family's business, and try his hand at another trade.
He had often found himself helping out his neighbors, friends, and family with their plumbing. Every time someone had a plumbing need, this young man was able to take care of the problem. And every time he did so, his friends would pay him well. "Why not give it a go?", he thought.
So, he and his wife set out to become plumbers. And do you know what? They were successful! They had more work than they could handle. They even had to hire employees to help them keep up!
They thought for sure that their family would be pleased. After all, they were finally able to take care of themselves and their children, AND they were enjoying their new life! Peace and harmony ruled in their hearts; laughter and joy were once again heard in their home!
Sadly, they did not sense the approval of their family. Instead their excitement was met with sighs and head shakes. "But you're so gifted!", their relatives exclaimed. "You were made to be carpenters!" No one could understand why this talented craftsman and his wife would choose to stop making such beautiful pieces of furniture.
"Oh no", the man explained, "we have not stopped building our tables. We have only stopped selling them."
You see, the couple truly loved designing and fashioning useful pieces. They enjoyed the process of taking something without much form and turning it into a work of art. The time they were able to spend working together was such a joy to them. What they most delighted in was seeing the recipient fall in love with what they had so tenderly created. Knowing that someone, probably an entire family, would benefit from their labor was the greatest reward.
1 comment:
love you!
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