Then the clay needs to be placed in the ‘center’ of the wheel, otherwise it will be difficult to manage the clay, and the end could be uneven, wobbly and unstable product, if anything at all. Many times, I had to just scrape everything off and start again! But these steps were still manageable. The biggest challenge for me came once the clay was centered and the wheel started moving and the clay needed to be shaped! The biggest rule at that time is to SLOW DOWN! Ha! I can just see smiles on the faces of those who know me! Once the wheel starts moving, you have to pay attention to the clay! You have to slow down and ‘listen’ to the clay and shape it gently and S L O W L Y! Like I said, I loved the class and I was challenged by it to slow down!
This was also a life lesson for me! I was able to slow down enough to make some pieces, but I can say I was not as productive as others in the class! I know I have to practice slowing down- not just for the pottery wheel but also for life in general, so I can pay attention to all the wonderful moments of life.
Beloveds, we live in a culture that forces us to always be on the go- move, do, and produce! May my experience remind us to take time to slow down, to pay attention to our surroundings, to listen for the needs around us, so we can respond accordingly and at the end develop beautiful friendships and lasting relationships!
Friends, remember, church is not the building but the people that are a part of it, and so we need your support and help to continue to be a church in the neighborhood! What have you heard? What does our community need? How can we respond?
Your ideas and suggestions are always welcome! There are some ideas underway- as they are finalized, we will share with you. What ideas do you have? Let me know!
May God bless you as you do so, and may you be a blessing to all you meet.
