THE SWEET CERAMIC SUPRISE

March 3, 2026

Jason Bonnicksen

THE SWEET CERAMIC SUPRISE

365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 93

Have you ever been so laser-focused that you just don’t notice the details of your surroundings? I’m the first to admit I can be oblivious to the small things that are often deeply beautiful. Today’s story of Thanksliving begins exactly that way.

This morning, I needed to travel to the hospital to visit a member who’s been suffering through far too many health issues. I’ve been to this hospital many times, so "taking in the sights" wasn’t exactly on my radar. I checked in with the receptionist, walked to the nurse’s station, and proceeded to my visit. (That visit could be a story of Thanksliving unto itself; perhaps I’ll save that for another day.) Mrs. IH and I visited for a while, but sensing she was tired—I did wake her up when I entered her room, after all—I prayed for her and promised to see her again next week. Knowing I was about to grab a burger from a local fast-food joint, I thought it’d be wise to find some hand sanitizer on my way out. That simple search for hygiene forced me to finally look around.

Like many hospitals, this particular healing center has a large display of locally made products and artwork for sale. I’ve always noticed the jars of local honey in the display—today was no different. But the honey wasn't what caught my eye; for me, it was something far sweeter.

I’m a total sucker for hand-crafted, artisan ceramics. I’m pretty sure I inherited that love from my mom. I currently have a collection of three uniquely crafted chalice and paten sets from artists around the country, and I’m always on the lookout for another. (Anyway, I digress.)

As I was rubbing the sanitizer into my hands, I "snooped" to see what else was in the hospital auxiliary’s cabinet. Next to the honeybee products, and to my huge surprise, were shelves of beautifully crafted ceramics—mostly bowls, cups, and vases. No two pieces were identical; each one was uniquely molded, glazed, and stamped by the artist. What a sweet ceramic surprise.

Well, seeing as I’m turning 57 in two days, I figured, “Happy birthday to me!” Zip went the credit card, and presto, I was the new owner of two ceramic bowls. The receptionist gently wrapped my new treasures, and away I went. (I told the wife she didn’t need to buy me a birthday present, because well… I "done did it" for her. You're welcome, honey!)

I’ve always admired people with that creative touch—those who take lumps of clay and a bit of water to design wonderful works of art. My only experience working with clay was in middle school when, of all things, we had to make an ashtray. (Why was that a thing back in the day, by the way? “Hey kids, let’s promote smoking and lung cancer!” LOL). Again, I digress…. Squirrel!

I think one reason I love ceramics so much—besides my middle-school ashtray turning out so badly—is because our Lord and Creator is the Master Artist. Scripture tells us that we are like clay in His hands, wonderfully crafted for His own purposes. The prophet Isaiah wrote:

“But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.”

Isaiah 64:8, ESV

Today, I’m thankful for finding that sweet ceramic surprise. Thank You, Lord! I’m thankful for a job that provides a living so I can support local artists (and my own birthday habits). I’m thankful for the artist who used his creative eye to fashion those bowls—and just like them, I am thankful the Master Potter fashioned you, me, and every person on this planet for a very special reason!

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