Slow craft....

The time draws nearer for our house move as the renovations near the end. There are still several things to do, but I reckon it would take maybe ten days....at last the end is in sight. I must say that as I stood by one day and watched the tiler work, I saw an exercise in patient, skilled workmanship. He even takes some time to prepare the materials before he starts - no plunging straight in. There cannot be any hurry. Every tile is treated with care and placed 'just right' in position. Even more so for certain parts where the walls slants at an angle - then the tiles are carefully cut to size. This workman was not young - likely past middle age, slowly and patiently working, with the help of just one less skilled worker. Watching this tiler work was an exercise in slowing down......no hurry......one tile at a time......with care and attention. Careful, attentive work - a reminder that much of our work might be that way - if we could only slow down a bit and become more aware of things. Much of the time we do things 'on the go' - two or more things at a time - at least I have been known to do so, and maybe three if I possibly could!!

Living contemplatively requires many lessons (and sometimes 'repeat classes') in slowing down. Slowing down does not make one less efficient - but work and play becomes more meaningful and enjoyable. More gratitude is experienced as everything becomes more transparent and God's gifts are seen with greater clarity.

I see the tiler as someone whose life work and skills have slowed him down, someone who is more than 'skilled' but also a patient craftsman. Maybe our God works that way with us too if we invite him to craft our lives - piece by piece the foundations of life are laid, gently, with care, with individual attention. Praise God!