Am I Worthy?

 In the town of Steam Haven Sandy Hawthorne, a woman in her 40s with short, curly brown hair and an apron covered in wood shavings, held her chisel steady as she carved the final intricate details into the wooden angel. The second of two that were needed. A skilled wood carver, her deep faith infused every piece of her work, each stroke reflecting the love she felt for her craft, her family, and her God.

"Mom, look at this!" Abigail, Sandy's daughter, called out from across the room. The workshop was filled with the scent of freshly carved wood, warm and comforting like a hearty meal after a long day's work. Wood shavings covered the floor, evidence of their passion and labor.

"Give me a moment, dear," Sandy replied, focusing on the delicate curve of the angel's wing. She couldn't help but smile, feeling her daughters excitement. 

"Alright, let's see what you've got." Sandy stepped back from her own creation and turned to face her daughter.

Abigail proudly displayed her handiwork – an intricately patterned wooden box. "It's almost finished," she beamed, her shoulder-length brown hair swaying as she moved.

"Your craftsmanship is truly remarkable, Abigail," Sandy said, her voice filled with admiration and pride. "Our Heavenly Father has blessed you with a gift."

"Thanks, Mom. I just want to make you proud of my work." Abigail's eyes met Sandy's, warmth and love radiating between them.

"Trust me, dear, you already have." Sandy paused and glanced around the workshop, taking a deep breath to savor the familiar smell that accompanied their shared moments of creativity. The bond between them was unbreakable, forged by faith, love, and dedication to their craft.

"Alright, enough talk," Sandy declared, clapping her hands together and sending a small cloud of wood dust into the air. "We've got work to do. Let's get these pieces finished for the church."

"Yes, ma'am!" Abigail saluted playfully before turning back to her project, the sound of chisels striking wood filling the workshop once more.

As Sandy resumed her carving, she couldn't help but feel grateful – for her family, for their shared faith, and for the gift of creating beauty from simple blocks of wood. The workshop was her sanctuary, a place where love and devotion took physical form, and she thanked God for every moment spent within its walls.

Sandy's chisel glided through the wood, carving intricate details into the majestic wings of the cherub. Her eyes narrowed as she focused on the fine lines and curves, her skilled hands guiding the tool with unwavering precision.

"Mom, how's the cherub coming along?" Abigail called out from across the workshop, pausing her own work to glance at her mother.

"Nearly finished," Sandy replied, a bead of sweat rolling down her temple. She wiped it away with the back of her hand before continuing, determination etched in every stroke. "I want this piece to be perfect for the reenactment at the church."

"I know you'll do an amazing job. Everyone in town is buzzing about the life-size Jewish sanctuary." Abigail smiled, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Sandy paused, taking a moment to admire her handiwork. The cherub seemed to come alive under her fingertips, its feathers unfurling and eyes filled with divine purpose. She knew that each detail mattered, that her artistry would bring the ancient biblical story to life for the congregation.

"God has truly blessed us with the opportunity to share His word in this way," Sandy murmured, her heart swelling with gratitude. She returned to her work, her chisel dancing over the wood like a conductor's baton, breathing life into the sacred figure.

"Remember, dear," Sandy said, glancing at Abigail, "our work isn't just about the beauty of the craft. It's a testament to our faith, a reflection of God's love."

Abigail nodded, her face flushed with determination. "Of course, Mom. I'll never forget that."

With a final flourish, Sandy stepped back from the last cherub, her chest tightening with pride and appreciation. She couldn't wait to see the completed ark of the covenant, her masterpiece nestled atop her daughter's exceptional craftsmanship. The anticipation in the town was palpable, and she knew their work would be a beacon of inspiration for all who bore witness to the reenactment.

"Let's make sure we do our best," Sandy whispered, more to herself than to Abigail. "For God, for our faith, and for each other."

A soft steam whistle sounded from it’s place on the wall signaling the arrival of the automaton-driven steam carriage. Sandy walked over to the shop doors and pulled them open. There sat the steam carriage, its polished brass gears whirring smoothly. These advanced contraptions had become a common sight in Steam Haven, where they served as efficient transportation for both people and goods. The automatons were deftly engineered, their movements precise and fluid as they navigated the busy streets. It only took them a moment to load Sandy’s and Abigail’s projects. Sandy glanced over the now somewhat empty workshop, then pulled the doors shut and joined Abigail who was already in the carriage. Using the typewriter style keyboard, Sandy entered the address of the church and they sat back as the carriage moved through town.

Upon arrival the carriage door clicked open, and Sandy stepped out. Abigail followed close behind, her eyes bright with anticipation.

"Here we are," Sandy murmured. The church courtyard hummed with excitement, as parishioners bustled about, putting finishing touches on their own contributions to the reenactment. Sandy directed the automatons as to where to place the ark and the cherubs, stepping back she admired how the golden finish gave off a soft glow in the afternoon sunlight.

Sandy and Abigail wove through the bustling courtyard, their laughter mingling with the hum of anticipation. Church members darted about, voices alive with excitement.

"Mom, look!" Abigail pointed, eyes wide with awe. "The Laver! It's magnificent!"

"Isn't it just?" Sandy marveled at the gleaming brass basin, the sunlight catching its polished surface. She could almost feel the water cleansing her soul, the way it was intended to do in the sanctuary service.

"Excuse me," a timid voice interrupted.

Sandy turned, finding herself face-to-face with Cindy Larson. Her pale blue eyes shimmered with uncertainty, hands wringing together nervously. The woman was a new convert, struggling to find her footing within the congregation.

"Hello, Cindy," Sandy greeted warmly, her smile inviting. "How can we help you?"

"Um, I'm not sure if I've set up the Table of Show Bread correctly..." Cindy trailed off, biting her lip.

"Let's take a look together, shall we?" Sandy suggested, guiding the hesitant woman towards the ornate table.

As they approached, Sandy's practiced eye swept over the display. Everything appeared in order, but she sensed that something more was troubling Cindy. Her gaze rested on the worried woman, concern etching into her own features.

"Talk to me, Cindy," Sandy urged gently. "What's really bothering you?"

"Am I worthy?" Cindy whispered, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. "I'm so new to this faith... What if I don't live up to the teachings of Jesus?"

"Faith is a journey," Sandy reassured her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "None of us are perfect, but we strive each day to grow closer to Him."

"Thank you," Cindy murmured, a shaky smile gracing her lips. She didn’t look convinced.

“How about we go somewhere a little more quiet,” Sandy suggested.

Cindy nodded in agreement and followed Sandy inside the church to the library. Sandy took a bible from a shelf and motioned for Cindy to have a seat at a table.

“I think I may have a story from the bible that will help,” Sandy said with a comforting voice. “It’s found in Matthew nineteen verses sixteen through twenty two.” 

Sandy turned in the bible and read, “Just then a man came up to Jesus, “Teacher,” he asked, “what good deed should I do to have eternal life?” Jesus asked him, “Why ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you want to get into heaven you must keep the commandments.” The young man asked him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “You must not murder, you must not commit adultery, you must not steal, you must not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘you must love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man told him, “I have kept all of these. What do I still lack?” Jesus told him, If you want to be perfect, go and sell what you own and give the money to the destitute, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come back and follow me.” But when the young man heard this statement he went away sad, because he many possessions.”

Sandy looked over at Cindy and could see that she was thinking about what was read. “This young man was experiencing some of the same feelings as you are,” Sandy said as she reached over and took hold of Cindy’s hand. “Even though he was doing what he had been taught what was right, he still felt like he was missing something. What Jesus was trying to get him realize was that he needed to stop his self-centered thinking. That is what happens when we look at the ten commandments as a list of rules that we have to keep in order not to be punished. But if we look at them as a list of character traits that we attain with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit we see that we have to develop love for God and for others. When we focus on loving God and those around us we become less self-centered. Then we will realize we are keeping the commandments without it being something to be afraid of.”

Cindy wiped a tear off her cheek and smiled at Sandy, “That is why Jesus said, All the Law and Prophets depend on these two commandments. That we love God and our neighbor as ourselves!

Thank you so much for sharing and caring,” she squeezed Sandy’s hand. “I feel so much better!”

Sandy returned the squeeze, “I am so happy you feel better! If you ever need any help or support don’t be afraid to come to me. I may not have all the answers but we can always work it out together.”

"Come on," Sandy encouraged, gesturing towards the outside. "Let's join in the excitement together."

With a nod, Cindy allowed Sandy to lead her back into the fray, her worried expression now turned to one of confidence as they stepped forward, hand-in-hand, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.