CARVING IN THE SPIRIT

I’ve always felt that there was something uniquely spiritual about wood carving. We hold a piece of wood, whether milled basswood or twisted, weathered driftwood, that once was a living, vibrant tree. But, alas! now it is dead. Then the carver with knife and gouge brings it new life, a distinctly different life. Whether the carver is a novice or master, new life emerges. 

     In order to bring new life to fallen souls, Jesus Christ was lifted up on a cross of wood, bearing the sins of lost humanity. And everyone who puts his or her trust in Him, placing their life in His hands will find that new, more vibrant and abundant life emerges under the hands of the Master.

     God is the Author of all creative art. When He gave Moses the instructions for the beautiful tabernacle and its holy furnishings, he appointed two craftsmen, Bezalel and Oholiab, to execute the work. Of these and other craftsmen, the Bible tells us . . .

The LORD said to Moses, "See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship . . . And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you. (Exodus 31:1-3, 6) 

Although today's wood carvers are not charged with as solemn a task as were Bezalel and Oholiab, we should be thankful for the gift of being able to bring new life - beauty, humor, pathos, inspiration -- out of a piece of dead wood. We redeem that which was destined for the fire or the wood chipper!

It is my intention in this blog to share my own projects, fellowship with other carvers, and encourage those who have not tried carving to consider giving it a try. 

Along with that last goal, I must add: Safety is paramount! After many years of carving without a glove on my holding hand or a leather thumb guard on the knife hand -- which resulted in some painful cuts! -- I now use both. I also keep my knives and gouges very sharp because dull tools are more likely to slip and are therefore more dangerous. Learn the basic cuts and how to make them safely. Check out this YouTube video for good instruction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wu50jnWmYvE

Now for some sharing. Here are some "Little Guys" I have carved, along with the driftwood carving in the back. (The sailboat is not my work.)

    Until the next post, God bless! And start carving out your place in life!