Sometimes I wonder, well ok……… all the time I wonder how do I show Jesus’ love with custom cabinets and woodwork? Where does He fit in to all of this? I have always thought that it would be easier if you had the occupation of a pastor or a missionary. Every day is bookmarked for Jesus. I think, “am I doing what Jesus wants me to do?” “Am I giving him control today, or am I taking it back?” I have really been asking that a lot……I want to be doing Jesus’ will in my life.
And then I read in the bible about work and what it entails in Colossians 3:23 (Amplified Version)
” Whatever you do (whatever your task may be), work from the soul (that is, put in your very best effort), as for the Lord and not for men, knowing (with all certainty) that it is from the Lord (not from men) that you will receive an inheritance which is your (greatest) reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you (actually) serve.”
I feel like I am in that valley of life where I am not sure which way I am supposed to go but according to this verse I am to serve God with all I do.
These questions of “what am I doing” really lay heavy on my heart and make me think………How do I be creative in witnessing through cabinets? I feel like its awkward to say “hey do you love your cabinets? Now lets talk about Jesus!” By my actions I try to be nice and courteous and hope they see Jesus’ love, and then we can talk about him……… maybe………… I will let you know how it goes……..you know I’m not big into rejection or making situations weird. Its the delivery I need help with!
Recently I have been able to design some kitchen remodels and its really allowing me to get to know our clients on a deeper level. They are trusting me to create a beautiful and functional space for them. This is a big task that I do not take lightly and I am asking them to trust me with their space that they live in. Its a big deal to me, and I so want them to just love it when its all done!! This allows me to get an idea of what they like and do and also maybe an insight into their lives.
Here are some drawers and doors I have been painting and glazing for a kitchen remodel that we built in the last couple of weeks.
It took us two days to install this kitchen. I have the finished pictures below this is before the flooring, countertops, and appliances go in.
This is the Back of the island above and to my right is the corner area of the kitchen where the sink, stove, and hood micro will be going.
This is the front of the island and it has great storage inside with pullout trays.
For me, working both in schools and at times in an office, it looks differently. When I am with kids, there are no \”Jesus\” words I use, obviously. But, continuing to give hugs even after they have been misbehaving or disrespectful is one way I show Jesus to kids. With adults, I can use words when kids aren't around. I tell them I will pray for them when something comes up. One of the main things I have found to be a witness is the jokes I don't join in on, the conversations I walk away from, or offering a better response rather than an angry (and often deserved) reaction. Offering encouragement, sincerity and grace. I am honored to call you friend, April! Love you!
I saw a video from the \”I am second\” project. It was of 2 actors who hired a lady to clean their house in the Hollywood area. She sang Christian songs all the time she worked for them. It got to be too much so after several months of this, they asked her, \”We are happy with your work but do you know any other songs?\” And I will never forget her reply to them, \” I am not here just to clean your house.\” After a time, they both got saved. Ever since I saw that vid, I think about that when I get a call to go measure something. After over 35 years as sole proprietor of my own cabinet shop, I have found that just doing an honest job at an honest price, taking care of mistakes and errors right away, and being willing to lose money than make a customer unhappy are witness enough in this cut-throat shoddy workmanship world. I have also become aware that the opportunities to \”talk about Jesus\” are divine appointments and God makes them clear in the conversations I have with clients. I just have to be bold enough to walk through those open doors, something I'm getting better at. But no amount of \”Jesus talk\” will make up for funky work. The job must speak \”integrity\” before any faith talk happens. Just the fact that you stand out in your work ethic makes you different.Keep asking the question but know that God will lead to the time and place. But every time you go into a clients house, just keep in mind , \”I'm not here just to build cabinets for this person.\”After all these years of making cabinets, most of which are probably in the dump by now, \”All the vain things of earth will pass; only what's done for Christ will last.\”JimHeritage Crafted InteriorsAffordableBindingEquipment.com