The Burls of Life – A lesson taught by a tree.

Over the years, I have been asked, “Why do you enjoy wood-turning so much?” Initially, my answer was pretty generic, “I like to build things.” However, as time goes by I have found that the workshop teaches me in ways I would never have imagined. I have heard many wood turners say that they don’t create but instead they simply remove the layers to reveal what God hid inside! I really like that idea. 

Several years ago, I bought this house. After moving in, I noticed one tree on the edge of my yard. It had an ugly growth on it. The growth was twisted and gnarled looking, with sap oozing out of it. I thought to myself, “I need to cut that down”. However, as life got busy again the tree continued to grow and the knotted, twisted ugliness grew as well. Each spring I thought about cutting it down only to forget about it as other projects took precedence. As my wood-turning hobby took off, I began to recognize that growth for what it really was. It was a Burl. A rare find, in which a section of a tree grows in on itself and the grain pattern, becomes deformed. Burls are coveted by wood turners and furniture makers alike. These hunks of twisted deformity offer to reveal a glimpse of exquisite beauty if only one is willing to take the time to embrace it and reveal what God hid inside. 

Unfortunately, many people do not recognize the potential of a burl. Instead of embracing it, they simply cut it down and dispose of it.  I cringe whenever I talk to someone who describes a burl that once grew in their yard and how they cut it down and threw it in the fireplace. 

Looking back, there have been many burls in my life. Sometimes, I would quickly cut it down leaving a gap that would take years for something new to grow in its place. Other times, I embraced it only to find that something of fine splendor was there all along.

The burl in my yard continues to grow. It is close to three feet tall and about two feet in diameter. Eventually, I will cut it down and prepare it for turning. Until then, I will watch it grow and wonder what beauty lies inside. The next time you face a burl, embrace it you never know what will be revealed!

 Mike Souter of Turned Creations created this pitcher from a burl. For more examples of burl turnings see his gallery at Burl Turnings

Kevin