Teach me your way, Lord,
that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name. Psalm 86:11

Some readers may think I’m wearing this “construction” theme a little thin by now. But the driving truth behind these posts is this: God always seems to teach me via what is directly in front of me; and there’s no getting past the fact that this kitchen project is as “right in front of me” as anything is ever likely to get.

As you can see, over the past week we’ve moved rapidly from “wrecking-ball site” to “this could well be a kitchen.”

There is imagination, there are plans, there is laying it out, there is roughing it in, there is assembly, and then there is the craftsmanship (I’d rather write “craftspersonship” but there’s got to be a better word…) of translating all of that into something real.

CRAFT: And that’s where we are now, and I want to show you a little of the behind the scenes detail before getting lost in the beauty of the finished product when it’s all done.

Because, you see, the “finished product,” part of the spiritual metaphor is going to be found wanting when it comes to my life as an ongoing work-in-progress. I am – we are – always growing, learning, healing, and moving forward. We’re never going to be done – not in the way the kitchen at Maul-Hall is going to be done; so I’d like to point out how beautiful the crafting part of the process is too.

The curve in the peninsular, as it comes around in front of the bay window, has been built out from the rectangular – 45-degree-offset – cabinets with custom plywood forms the cabinetmaker manufactured on-site. It’s rock solid! Then he scored the fascia at regular intervals so the wood will accept the bend.

All this – and more – comes through imagination, collaboration, cooperation, and then the application of craft as we move toward the vision of a new kitchen.

TEACH ME YOUR WAY: Today’s scripture offers the request, “Teach me your way, Lord.” And I can’t help but wonder at how often we say things like that to God, but we’d rather skip directly to the finished product and avoid all the “craft” of the learning process.

“Give me an undivided heart.” Other translations use terms such as, “unite my heart,” “make my heart focused,” “make me single-hearted,” “knit my heart unto thee.”

This Walking With God life is a process. It requires an open spirit for learning, faithfulness on our part as well as God’s, and a heart that is not divided in its loyalties.

As well as a lot of hard work. A Lot. That is the “craft” of this life of Walking With God.

– DEREK

Hear me, Lord, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
Guard my life, for I am faithful to you;
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God;  have mercy on me, Lord,
for I call to you all day long.
Bring joy to your servant, Lord,
for I put my trust in you. – Psalm 86:1-4