He is the Potter, and I am the clay.

Joy Pottery TexasIf you were raised in church, you’ve probably heard this 1,000 times.  He is the Potter, I am the clay.  I can guarantee, though, that unless you’ve heard Rachel Norris from Joy Pottery share her testimony coupled with her pottery demonstration, you probably do not fully understand just how the Potter works His clay.

Our church, Old River Baptist, hosts a Ladies Spring Tea each year. Ladies from the church will sign up to sponsor a table.  They’ll bring place settings and decor from their home like putting a carpet or runner rugs, and transform plain, round, church tables into beautiful pieces of art. A beautiful tall white vase in the center of the table always adds an elegant touch. Each table seats six or seven guests.  They serve dinner, dessert, and coffee, and while you’re eating, you dote over the beautiful table, and get to know those at the table around you.  I was fortunate enough to share a table with two people I did not really know (including Kylie’s librarian).  It was wonderful to chat with the ladies.

After dinner, this year, we headed to the sanctuary and were mesmerized by Rachel’s demonstration.

She had her spinning wheel with a lump of clay, and she explained how the Potter (symbolizing God) wedges the clay (symbolizing us), puts it on the wheel, carefully guides it and shapes it, and makes it into a raw, beautiful, but unfinished piece.   But like a potter with wet clay, God can decide to smash us down, recycle us, and start anew with a completely different, beautiful plan for us.  So, He starts the process over molding us.

Then, the Potter will let the piece sit, until it’s completely dry, and ready to put into the fire.  She explained that, just like us, if a Potter puts a piece into the kiln (fire) before it’s completely dry (or ready), once it hits the fire, it will explode into a million pieces.  Just like us, God knows His perfect timing to throw us into the thick of things.  He never promised that our life would be easy or that it would come without complication, but he does have a plan for us, and if we’ll let him, we’ll be molded into a beautiful work of art, ready to trust and serve Him.

Of course, I can’t explain it as well as Rachel, because not only was she sitting there, making her artwork look effortless (and trust me when I say effortless), she was sharing how pottery applies to our lives, AND sharing her personal testimony of trials and redemption through Jesus Christ. She also allowed us to see some of her collection of blue and tall white vases, which is perfect home decor.

If you love beautiful pottery, and you’re ever in the Bryan, Texas area, you should check out her work!

Joy Pottery
4544 Old Reliance Rd.
Bryan, Texas 77808
joypottery@hotmail.com

If you’re interested in having Rachel come speak at your church or event, you might want to start planning now!  She said she’s often booked a YEAR in advance!

Thank you, Rachel, for sharing your heart with us!  And thank you to all of the ladies at Old River Baptist Church who worked so hard on the Ladies Spring Tea.

Old River Baptist Ladies' Tea

I would especially like to thank Mrs. Peggy who set the beautiful table that I was able to enjoy. This was my first one to attend, and I am already looking forward to next year’s event!