Five Minute Friday: Grit

Several years ago I spent a summer with my Dad in his wood shop building an oak bookcase.  He spent hour after hour with me over many days teaching me how to read directions, “measure twice, cut once,” and use the tools.  One of the tools he taught me how to use was an orbital sander.  I also used handheld sandpaper at various stages in the project.

Sanding is a necessary process.  Sometimes it is needed to remove an unwanted layer on the wood, like old paint or varnish.  Sometimes it is used as a finisher…to remove splinters and make the surface smooth and even.  Sandpaper comes in different types of grit, ranging from coarse to fine.  A skilled carpenter knows how to select the type of grit and use appropriate pressure to achieve the desired result.

I am reminded that while He was on earth, Jesus was a carpenter.  I am so thankful that He knows me inside and out and knows when I need something removed, need to be prepared for the next step in His plan, or just need some smoothing and refining around the edges.