Earlier this year while enroute to the wood depot near my home, I noticed this wood stump left in front of a house under construction. Judging by my little knowledge of wood I have, I estimated that that particular wood stump had been left outside that building for over 6 months. I had passed by the wood for some weeks before I finally made the decision to stop by the building and make enquiries on how I could be the new owner.

The negotiation session didn’t take long. Apparently the wood was considered trash to the owner and I found myself paying the token that the security man asked in exchange for the change of ownership. N2,000 later, I carried the wood stump in the trunk of my car and headed home. The wood was big enough that my car trunk couldn’t close properly. I was happy. The security man was elated. The wood was fulfilled.

What the security man didn’t know was that what he considered to be trash worth N2,000 was what I considered a piece of artistic wood furniture that was worth hundreds of thousands. After allowing the wood to rest in it’s new home for a few days, I figured out the final masterpiece I was eventually going to turn it into. It took my team almost 2 months to eventually finish the wine holder that we eventually turned the wood into. Truth be told, if we had more years of woodworking experience under our belt, it shouldn’t have taken us more than 2 weeks. Nevertheless, I was glad that I was able to turn an abandoned wooden stump that costed me N2,000 into a wine holder that eventually sold for N260,000.

Working with wood helps me see perspectives of potential different finished products from a raw state that oftentimes looks like trash to many people. As a woodworker, I have a small insight into what our Lord Jesus Christ sees in us when others consider us as trash worth N2,000 or less. I realize it may be impossible to get to that level where we see diamonds where others see trash. But at least can we try to ensure that we do our best to ensure that we don’t consider ourselves trash. We were so valuable in the sight of a Master craftsman that he gave his very best in order to purchase us and turn us into the value only He sees in us. No wise craftsman will purchase something for N2,000 if he can’t refine it and make it of more value to someone else that will be willing to pay for the new value.

One other point I’ve learnt is that not everyone sees the value in what you consider as valuable. Many other potential clients saw the wine holder while I was making it and told me it was too expensive. Interestingly enough, many of them were not even wine enthusiasts or collectors. I eventually got a client who saw value in the abandoned wooden stump while I was still crafting it into a wine holder and paid even before I finished it. Not everyone will see value in what you consider as valuable. Know this and know peace.

Come to think of it, it’s interesting how I’ve subtly hypnotized your mind into seeing value in any wood you come across after reading this. Just imagine if we could all see people and places beyond the impoverished abandoned state they may presently be in. Just imagine the possibilities. Stop imagining and start seeing the possibilities. Start with yourself.

Below is a video of me while working on the wine holder.

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