There's a friend I have that lives in the mountains of western North Carolina. He lives with his family in a valley called Big Sandy Mush and is a lover like you. But what he loves is clay - blue pipe clay, to be exact. You should hear him talk with passion and even an affectionate knowledge about how it takes millions of years for this clay to develop from the rub of water and the shifting of glaciers against rock particles... or something like that. Matt Jones has no idea how much he has taught me through his extraordinary craftsmanship and art. He gets his hands dirty by squeezing and caressing the clay. Then he pairs just the right glaze with the pottery before inserting the piece into a hand-built 2000+ degree kiln fired by hand-split wood. Finally there is a meticulous inspection and pricing to reflect the realization of his hopes.
With countless hours and unending care, all along the way, it's his hands that are immersed into his work. Talented and willing hands. Hands that are committed to the art. Hands that must rest.
And he's much like you...
one who loves the people instead of the institution.
one who invests himself into a vision of what might be.
one who lives out of hope for the final fruit.
one who lends his giftedness to an unpredictable medium.
one who realizes that rest is fundamental for the longevity of love.
Art is an expression of the spirit of Beauty.
So is soul care.
Thank you for seeing soul care as an expression of God's love to His clay - His people, His church.
