Have you seen a master glass blower live and in person? I think the first time I saw this in person was at the amusement park/artisan village Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo. Watching this fascinating process again on the video above reminds me of the amazing handiwork that is a part of the making of a glass pitcher.
One thing that even a novice like me understands is that it takes a lot of heat for glass to be at the state that can be moldable. Glass becomes malleable at 700 - 1000 degrees depending on the type of glass. The master craftsman understands that it takes just the right temperature to mold. If the heat isn't at a high enough temperature the glass is too hard and it will be difficult to mold and often breaks. And if the temperature is too high the glass will be too soft and it will be unworkable. Heat is incredibly important to the process of molding the glass.
During difficult and uncertain times life can feel like the heat has been turned up, sometimes even to the point of being unbearable. Heat is not something I typically enjoy. In fact, like most of us, I actually work to stay away from heat in my life. I do everything I can to create an environment that is comfortable and certain. The Covid 19 virus has changed how we do things and brought so much uncertainty. We are living in times that for most of us are unprecedented and unknown. Although I would never have chosen this heat, I have noticed that it is during these times that I am actually becoming more moldable. I am becoming more aware of what really matters. I am becoming more aware of my need for a greater purpose. And I am more open to what it takes to grow and be formed into the person that the master craftsman desires. As a person who strives to live by faith I want to view my life as continually moldable but, the reality is that I am certainly more moldable when the heat is on.
I admit that during this time of the pandemic there have been times that I have felt like a glob of melted glass where my emotions have felt all mixed up, uncertain and without form. Although, I don't want to live in that state forever, it's ok, because I am viewing it is a part of the process. There is so much that is out of my control right now, but I can choose how I view this time. I can choose to view this as an opportunity to become even more than I am now. As a Jesus follower celebrating Easter this weekend, I am leaning into the words of a person who understood the heat, Paul of Tarsus...
You are God's handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God created in advance for you to do. Ephesians 2:10
Might you find your purpose within the heat,
Troy Vande Lune
Big Rock Leader