Aside from the faith-based reasons I am closely committed to Jesus, I have one totally human connection to him – wood.

Jesus was a carpenter as was his father. My husband, father, and grandfather all worked with wood. My grandfather made a living as a carpenter. For my father and husband, woodworking was a profitable hobby.

On one of our trips to Israel, after a lot of haggling, my husband purchased a small piece of olive wood, too small for the carver we met to use.

After returning home, we gave the wood to a good friend who works on the lathe. He turned this little cup for me. I love the grain pattern.

The cup, with wood from the earthly home of my Savior, was created by a dear friend, and connected to my family.

It brings back loving memories every time I look at it.