The Apprentice's Work

by Fay Barlow
(lexington, sc)

Life has changed, yet again. I guess it’s never too late to learn, or be reminded of things.

Even though I am way past the age of being in the 9th grade, I am re-learning about World History and the Spanish language. I am also being reminded of the ins and outs of the English language and am reading books I’ve never read before.

Our youngest son, who is 14, is being home schooled this year. We have flip flopped between home school and public school for the past 5 years, and it seems that home school has reentered our lives.

I don’t want to sound like I’m complaining about my son being home with me. I’ve always enjoyed learning new things and having him at home. I like the idea of teaching to the strengths of my son and being creative, pulling out the creativity that I know he is capable of. It is like sitting at a potter’s wheel.

But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand. Isaiah 65: 8

When I was much younger and a bit more rebellious in my way of thinking, I didn’t like this verse. It seemed to me that I had no choice in the potter’s hands. I was this lump of clay that was being forced into a vessel that was not of my choosing. And I assumed that at the end of the process, I would be unhappy with the completed work.

As someone who “has sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God”, I will make the choice with the clay that has been entrusted to me, my son. I will either try or form him to the strengths of what I want him to be or I will form him to the strengths that will bring about the greatest potential in him.

It is the same with the Lord. As I am the clay in His hands, He is molding me into His image, with specks of dust and unique colors that produce a shine or pattern unlike any other vessel.

His hands are strong as he molds me but not heavy and oppressive. He looks at the natural strengths I have and he works his image gently into those strengths. And when He sees a weak spot or when a crack begins to form, He may speed up His wheel, or He may slow it down in order to rework that area.

The potter never yells at the clay. He never throws it out, but He may press it down and begin again, many times, because perfection is what He is after.

I want to have the same attitude with my son, with both my sons. Even though my oldest is 22, he is still a vessel that can be shaped into a work of art for the Potter.

My younger son’s weakness in school is English. He Loves Math and Science but cares little for English, especially the writing and reading parts. But as his parent, I know he needs to know the fundamentals of writing and reading.

He may never be an English teacher but communicating and conceptualizing is important in life. So as the “potter”, I understand his frustration and work into his life what he needs in a way that he can handle.

And in his strengths, I encourage further development and create challenges in order that that part of him shines, like the vessel he is becoming.

But what a task! In order for me, the apprentice potter, to help mold my little vessel, I need to be under the careful eye of the Master Potter. I will be tried and molded myself, as I come to understand how the clay is formed and learn the same gentle guiding that is taught to me by my teacher.

When I am surrendering to the Master Potter, who is always working from an attitude of love and perfection, to form me into His image, then I will never need to worry whether I am becoming what I don’t want. I will long to please the Potter and allow Him to create in me what He wills, because I have experienced a righteous and pure love. And I know that the Potter knows best.

I pray that I am the same way with my boys. I never want to press down on them so hard that I crush their spirit but I want to know when to challenge them in order to bring about that shine that sometimes I alone can see.

As I become an apprentice potter this year, I plan to stay very close to the Master. How else will I know how to work the clay to its fullest potential?