An experience over childhood was to try my hands at different crafts and train them. These included the more leisurely folding papers to make aeroplanes and boats to the more serious "origami" and handicraft pursuits. I am probably one of those who grew up being given the opportunity to try a wide variety of making things (handicrafts). Though the case has not been one where these skills have developed into a more "professional" take.
Growing up with a mother who insisted that we (I and my siblings) try our hands at almost everything, I have often ended up doing things that would be considered "unorthodox" for a boy - from picking pre-drawn patterns on fabric to knitting socks, to weaving belts and picking cross stitches (I bet I can do it better than most average people). By the age of 10, I was already on the way to a typing institute after school hours (for about 3 times a week, if my memory serves me right) to learn to type on the good old typewriter. The reason being that my mother wanted me to learn to play the piano, but since we could not afford a "keyboard" just then, she reasoned typing was the next best option to keep my fingers exercising. I was probably quite a sight to see me - legs dangling typing away the lessons - for the adult students there to train professionally. They would come around to watch as I typed away the lessons. Music classes eventually followed and it went on for the next five years.
All these experiences of making stuffs (bows and arrows, bamboo spears to throw at banana trees; shaping a wooden spoon, learning to sharpen knives and machetes, making clay candle stands and toys and much more) have provided me perspectives on life, training of what it is like to persevere and experience the joy of being able to create something beautiful.
As time changes, these experiences of working with one's hands are fading. We seem to live in a world where for all the advancement in technology, the younger generation is growing up glued to a screen that fits their hands. I am not clamoring for a return to the past, but I do want opportunities to be created for experiencing the joy of being able to create. For me this happened again a couple of weeks ago when I took an old bag and got it remade into a small pens and note holder. It is not the best in the making, but having it made is a pride and a joy to cherish.
I also did this project (if I may so call it) for another reason which will be mentioned in passing but not in the finest details. It has to do with my boss who was the son of a Jewish carpenter, and I reckon he picked up the skill of his father's trade (and I would contend that he was much more than a carpenter). Some of those he taught were fisherman by trade; a later follower was a tanner who hosted others; still another was known as a tentmaker; and one who would travel to India many, many years later was known as a cobbler. It is to their honour and their legacy that this small project was carried out. It was also to remind myself that skills are still beautiful (and useful) for those of us who walk in the footsteps of the Man of Galilee.
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