We Are the Clay, You Are Our Potter”

by Susan Causey, FPD School Counselor

September 10, 2015

When working on the potter’s wheel recently, it occurred to me that children are like wet clay. Their hearts are soft and malleable. Clay can be formed by the potter’s hand very easily at this stage. A little pressure in any direction will cause an impression. Children are the same way. Like clay, if our hearts are soft, we can be molded into the beautiful creation our Creator wants us to become. At any point during this stage, the shape of the vessel and of our hearts can be modified, if we are willing.

If the clay becomes a mess on the wheel, it is no problem. The clay can be recycled and remolded into something wonderful. Even if it cracks during the drying and maturing stage, it can be transformed. When it is fired and hardened, the form is pretty much set. As we go through trials, if our hearts are trusting and looking to the Lord, we too will continue to shine. We will come through the fiery trial a more useful, strong and attractive person. However, if we are hardened by fire into a misshapen piece which has not been carefully handled or crafted, we may then have difficulty being the purposeful creature the Lord has intended. We can still be of use, but the use may not reach its full potential. Timing is very important in potting and in rearing children.

Let’s make the most of the time we have with our precious “clay pots,” training them in godliness and discipline while they are young and teachable. As we love them, they learn to understand the love of their heavenly Father. Soon they will be grown and the heat will come. We want them to be strong and ready.