Eyes of the Artisan

Eyes of the Artisan

i built this fine chair
from scraps of old wood
something sturdy
and worthwhile
from materials
considered useless

that long bench
across the room
and the stool
in the corner
even the long table
in the dining room

i built them all
in the same way
from wood thrown out
or left to rot
in a ditch or field
or back alley

people admire these things
remarking on their beauty
their strength
and functionality
the pleasing character
in the grain of the wood

what they see now
was always there
nothing added really
but some attention
to a few details
some labor and time

God sees human lives
much as i see the wood
He's not fooled
by where He finds us
but sees in us raw material
for great works of art

we may be on the heap
cast off and forgotten
appearing useless
to those unable to see
but in God's eyes
every life is treasure

in God's hands
purpose and beauty
are fully uncovered
all becomes new again
He makes good and strong
every life recovered