Hm hm… the definitive smell of leather and the soft supple feeling it exudes as I clutch the new purse close to my face. The smell of real leather is quite apparent and the soft texture is very pliable under my exploring fingers. Thinking of old western movies and the leather worn in vests and chaps and the methods used for tanning cowhides evoked some comparisons in my mind.

After an animal is slaughtered, deer, bear, cow, buffalo, etc., the hide must be scraped and with some strong “elbow grease” cleaned of all remnants of meat, hair, fur, and innards. Once the hide has been thoroughly scraped clean, the hide is then generously salted down for preservation and the process can take weeks or months of drying and massaging to suppleness. (Of course, this is by hand not through factories.)

Does God work on us to preserve our spirit of Him within us? Does He scrape our sins away through His grace and forgiveness? Are the valleys in our lives the “tanning process” of creating a supple being that embodies the likeness of our creator?
Perhaps we should not complain and cry out about our valleys and rough patches, but rather embrace the scraping and honing of our lives as the end result will be perfection when we share in His kingdom.

If every hair on your head is counted; if every bumpy curve in your journey through this life, is truly your “tanning process,” then breathe in the fact that God loves you unconditionally and will make you supple. Thank Him for being the Master Tanner, One who will condition you to receive Him in all His glory.

Jill