The Carpenter.

For the past week, Kara and I have spent quite a bit of time with family. My father and I are building a workshop in his backyard. With every piece of lumber, we have been laughing and talking about days of old. I was reminded of how Joseph was a carpenter and I feel like I finally started to understand Jesus’ raising. When I was younger it was “go get the hammer”, or “I need nails” or so on. But, now that I am older, our working relationship is much different. Now instead of “get this” or “I need that”, its “Hey could you do this?” or “Son, what do you think about that?”. I am thankful for my father always taking the time to show me how to do things, he helped me become the person I am today.

I imagine Jesus had similar experiences. Slowly gaining more responsibilities in the workshop until one day he was able to do things on his own. No doubt he was thankful for Joseph who taught him. But Christ also learned from his heavenly father by continually fasting, praying, and dwelling in the word of God. We should do the same. As I have gotten older I have wanted to spend more time with my father and finally listen to the lessons I was too stubborn to learn as a child. If I turn out to be half the man my father is that would be pretty good. The same is true of our heavenly father. If we genuinely want to be like Christ we need to spend time in his word and in prayer.

I encourage you to do that this holiday season. Blessings!