God has blessed me with two wonderful careers. My current job pastoring was preceded by seventeen years teaching Agriculture, Natural Resources and Leadership in the public schools. With the first two years in Culpeper and the last fifteen at Central, I made many friends and learned much about myself, others, and life.
Part of my responsibility as an Ag teacher was to instruct and supervise students in wood and metal working, electricity, plumbing, and more. The goal was to establish basic skills to enable students to solve simple problems on their homes and farms. Along the way, some discovered their life’s passions while others developed aptitudes they’ve used as hobbies and pastimes.
One of the woodworking tools that we used was a planer. This massive machine consisted of three 18 inch horizontal blades set to identical heights in a metal head that revolved at over 4,000 rpms. As rough sawmill lumber was fed into one side, the knives planed, or cut off, the upper face of the board producing a smooth surface as it came out the back. Repeated passes were used to smooth both sides and to reduce boards to desired thicknesses.
Aside from being unusually loud and producing abundant shavings, the planer efficiently transformed lumber from unattractive boards into furniture material. The most dramatic differences were usually seen in walnut pieces that entered the planer as rough, dull, and grey and came out smooth, chocolatey and beautiful.
One important step before using any woodworking tool is to check the wood for metal or stones. Occasionally we missed a nail or two and they would inevitably take out a piece of all three knives leaving a small half-moon gouge in each. This defect resulted in a matching rounded ridge on the surface of every board that then went through the planer, greatly diminishing the purpose of the procedure.
Unfortunately, there was no quick and easy solution to this problem and the knives would have to be taken out, sharpened, and reset. This not only cost money but was very time consuming. Consequently, it was usually relegated to the summertime when the shop saw less action and I could concentrate without students interrupting.
As I’ve reflected on planer problems caused by occasional nails, I’ve been reminded of our own character flaws and defects. Sometimes these have been caused by events in our lives or carried over from parental influence. Other times they are just weaknesses that are part of our personalities.
These shortcomings are bad enough in and of themselves, but sadly, they usually create the biggest problems for those around us. Our quick tempers or sharp tongues leave marks on others including spouses, children, coworkers, and neighbors. Sometimes a tendency to avoid conflict or just plain laziness causes issues that have to be corrected later by others.
Another similarity exists in that just as it takes much time and work to eliminate nail damage from planer blades, it also takes great effort to address blemishes in our character. As a result, we are inclined to ignore them, thus perpetuating the problems they create. We cannot expect smoother boards until we sharpen the blades and we can’t expect better relationships until we get serious about addressing our shortcomings.
In the Biblical model, the first step is to admit and confess whatever sin we have and invite God to forgive us of it through the blood of His Son, Jesus. Then, with the help of His Holy Spirit, we are to repent or turn from whatever it is and go forward in obedience. In some cases we may need a Christian counselor or accountability partner to ensure our success. Although this process may not cost us much money, it can drain our pride accounts and it ultimately cost Jesus His life.
The next time we see a piece of fine furniture, let’s think of the tools and time that went into its construction. And as we do, let’s ask God to remove whatever nicks or gaps there may be in our characters that we might not pass them on to others.
Blessings, George