The Potter's Hand

The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Come, go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him. ~ Jeremiah 18:1-4

When my daughter was in elementary school, she came home one day with a piece of pottery that she made in art class.

After studying it a bit, I asked her what it was. (I admit I hesitated to ask because I am sure she intended for me to know as soon as I laid eyes on it).

She told me it was an ash tray. Well, first of all I don't smoke, and second of all, well, it didn't look like an ash tray.

I wasn't sure what it looked like.

But it had been crafted by her loving little hands to give to me as a token of that love - which made it the most beautiful thing ever.

Many days I feel like I'm that ash tray. I don't always feel like I look like I should. Sometimes I don't feel like I function as I should.

I have even questioned what God was thinking when God made me. Did the Holy One have to start over a number of times before being satisfied?

But always I know I was crafted in love. Always I know that in God's eyes I am beautiful just as I am.

And you are beautiful just as God made you as well.

You are the Potter. I am the clay. Continue to mold me, Lord, into one who loves as deeply as you. Amen