The Art of Pottery

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 91: Today, I am grateful for the art of pottery.

Our school mascot is the "Morton Potters." I thought it odd when we came nearly 40 years ago, but I have come to love it. Shaping lives is what schools and communities do. (The name came from the "Morton Pottery", a local business that was important to the community.) 

The Love of my Life has been watching a series, "The Great Pottery Throw Down." The competition is fun to watch. Each artist has a unique style and vision. The comradery between the artists is special. Clay can be finicky and the best plans can go awry. Still, they keep trying. 

There is an element of understanding that whatever they envision and intend, the kiln makes the magic and breaks hearts. Some pieces do not survive the heat. Some things come out better than expected. I can see why those who are called to the kiln find it rewarding. 

My dear friend and artist, Brittany Du Pont, always reminds me that until the clay has been fired... it can be reworked and saved. Some clay is harder to work with than others, but with patience and determination, it can bring beautiful outcomes, much like her work with Jr. High students discovering their art. 

I love this scripture:

"And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand." Isaiah 64:8

Sometimes, we are a mess. There are times we seem impossible to shape, mold, and save. Sometimes, great patience is required of the Master Potter. I keep going back to this thought, "The opposite of impatience is surrender." 

I am so grateful for the Master Potter who uses every experience to help shape us. He sees our potential and longs for us to discover it, too. 

Today, I am grateful for the art of pottery.