The Carpenter's Wife

Most of you know that I happen to be married to a carpenter. Saying that he is a "carpenter" gives you just a slight idea of what he actually does each day since carpenters do a wide variety of work. Presently, Chad works doing concrete work. In the past, he had done a variety of carpentry tasks including: rough framing houses, remodeling, truss building, trim, decks, and the list goes on and on. The type of tools Chad needs to use depends on the type of work he is completing. Some times he needs a large, heavy hammer or perhaps even a sledge hammer, other times he uses small trim nails in a nail gun, and yet at other times he uses a saw. Each tool he uses creates a very different result, and serves a very different purpose. A skilled carpenter has the finesse to use each tool in the right way and the wisdom to know which tool he needs for the job. When the job is complete, he can stand back and look at the finished project and smile knowing it is a job well done.

We learn in the New Testament that Jesus was the son of a carpenter. Jesus would have learned this trade growing up in Joseph's home. As the ultimate Carpenter, Jesus applies His craft to change our hearts. Some days it can feel like we are being shaped by a sledge hammer, other times His still small voice gently guides us, softly smoothing off our rough edges with fine grain sandpaper. Every event, no matter how small, is lovingly brought into our life, by God, for His glory and our sanctification. The Bible calls us, who make up the church,  the bride of Christ. "....just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish." (Ephesians 5:25-27)

Each day I pray that this construction project, that is my life, might reveal a wonderful finished project. I am thankful to be able to trust my Savior knows best what circumstances I need brought in my life to whittle away my rough spots to help me increasingly become more and more like Him. I rest "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6) Today I have peace knowing that I am THE Carpenter's wife.