Questioning the Creator
A few years ago I picked up a ceramic cup I had made in college. It is one of the few pieces I have left from my days as a potter. The cup held fond memories as I felt the weight of it in my hand. I remember forming it with my own hands. And when it was just the right dryness, I’d turned it upside down and trimmed the base so that it was the perfect thickness. I’d created the handle and attached it to its form. It took time and a piece of me went into its creation. When it was finished, I signed my name to the bottom. I placed it in a kiln and waited.
The Creator Loves the Creation
When it came out of the furnace, I covered it with a special glaze. I wasn’t the best at calligraphy, but wanted my mom to know I’d made the cup for her alone, and I wanted it to be personal…so I gently inscripted a letter “R” on the front for “Rose”. I wasn’t sure I liked the letter, but remembered thinking…“it will do.” I put the cup back into the kiln for the final step to make it ready. I loved my creation… and even though it wasn’t perfect, I was proud. I’d made it with my hands and with my heart for someone I loved.
When I gave that cup and its matching set to my mom that Christmas, I knew from her response that she cherished it. I know how much I love handmade gifts from my kids and it’s even more special when they are practical!
When my mom passed away, I got the cup and its matching set back. It doesn’t sit in my cupboard…but rather out on my hutch. When I see it, I am flooded with memories. Memories of putting my heart into its creation…sweet memories of my mom.
The Creator Knows the Creation
That day, a few years ago,when I picked it up… Dave asked me about it. I told him it was one of the cups I’d made back in college. To my surprise, he responded, “you didn’t make that cup.” He’d seen them around for years and I’d never mentioned that I’d made them (and they did look very professional if I do say so myself). Aghast, I looked at him and said, “I did too!” He questioned me with his look and said, “I don’t think so.”
Ouch.
I know he didn’t mean anything by it. He didn’t know the history. He didn’t know how I knew that cup… he didn’t know the care I took in creating it. He didn’t know whom I had given it to…He didn’t know how precious it was. Nor did I…until then.
We Question the Creator
And then I wondered…“God, is that how you feel?” Sometimes I take your gifts for granted. Sometimes I don’t realize what your creation cost you; I don’t realize whom you gave it to… I don’t know the history. I don’t realize so much…
When Dave questioned my creation, I was hurt. I KNOW this cup. And God, you KNOW me. How many times do I question how you made me… why you made me the way you did and once upon a time, even IF you made me?
Today… I realize afresh how that must hurt your heart. Thank you that You KNOW me… you created me with your hands and your heart. And even though I am not perfect…You love me.
