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I started my latest project (pictured above) in late September. It took five months to complete. The process served as a great reminder of everything in life, whether it’s the relationship with my wife and kids, my recovery or my walk with God. It’s all a process. The key? I need to willingly participate in the process. Faith plays a big role in it.
When I undertook this painted wood carving of my friend, Michael Maurice, all I had to go on was a cool picture that I had taken of him. I had no idea what the result would be when I finished. I had a choice to make. I could have settled for just the picture, and that would have been fine, I suppose. However, I would have missed out on the process, which included uncertainty, self-doubt, making a mess, hours of tedious work and taking the risk that I could totally ruin the project.
Do you see how this parallels our lives? I want to be a risk-taker, not settle for what the world sees as good enough. It’s risky to take a chance on others, to love them. It’s uncomfortable to chip away at our tough exteriors, our messy selves. Building a relationship with God isn’t easy—it hurts sometimes—but being in the process with him will lead to a beautiful image of yourself and others that you will miss if you choose to stay comfortable.
Have a great day today.
Scott Tredeau
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