The Potter’s Hand

by Justin Taylor 3 March 2022

One of my favourite things is to sit on a Sunday evening and watch The Great Pottery Throwdown on Channel 4. It’s one of the few shows which takes my full attention.

Each week, contestants are tasked with making items from clay using a range of techniques, whilst being judged and coached by two professional potters. As is usual with these kind of skill shows, a time limit is imposed - and each week someone is sent home.

Isaiah 64:8
Yet you, Lord, are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

My Grandma Wendy would volunteer a few afternoons a year to serve tea and coffee at a Christian retreat in Bournemouth, and I would go with her to push the trolley and help wash up.

Years later, she took a few days respite there and I dropped her off. I popped a copy of The Source hymn book into her bag.

When I picked her up, she sat in the car and handed me a tissue paper-wrapped gift. Inside was a beautiful pottery hand, with outstretched palm, with space to hold a candle.

She then started fishing in her shopping bag (as grandma’s are want to do) and brought out the hymn book. Finding the page she wanted, she read the words to “The Potter’s Hand”.

I know for sure all of my days are held in your hand, crafted into your perfect plan.