Issue #2 The Maker’s Touch: Finding Beauty in Imperfections

It’s been a full summer for the Joy Deacons—and for me personally. Between supporting our three kids in their first year of competitive swimming, track, soccer, and dance recitals, squeezing in a vacation, tackling home projects, planning youth group camping and the Paterson Block Party, facilitating the Crown Financial class, and other diaconate duties (“tending the table” – Acts 6:1–6), God graciously gave Christine and me time to share meals with friends—old and new—and enjoy spontaneous date nights that refreshed our hearts. I thank God for not only providing those moments of rest, but for using my family as vessels of His grace, despite our imperfections.

As a hobbyist woodworker, I’ve learned that imperfections are part of the process. Every rough plank and every tool has its flaws. Early on, I fretted over every flaw. Over time, however, I’ve come to see that it’s not about trying to avoid or hide flaws, but anticipating and working with them. Imperfect grain, knots, cavities—they can all be shaped into features that give a piece character.

One evening, while working on our new dining table, I discovered cavities in the walnut slabs I had just planed. But this time, I was ready with black epoxy in hand. Once filled, those flaws became highlights. That moment reminded me: God, the Master Craftsman, is shaping us too. Through the Holy Spirit, He transforms our brokenness into something beautiful—something that resembles Christ.

Now, when I admire handcrafted furniture, I see more than wood—I see the maker’s touch. Likewise, our lives reflect the hand of God—refined and worked through grace and time. I may not know where He’s leading next, but I trust His working in my life—as a woodworker, a follower of Christ, and a Deacon at Joy Church.

-Scott