Being
Veteran’s Day and my day off, I had the day off from both occupations (school bus driving and church). I am
never really off from church just not in the office. To really be off, I would
have to turn the phone off and I did not do that although it only rang twice or
three times. I answered it. I was outside the whole day except the time I went
to Lowe’s to get some cap stone and 12 more block. A year ago I made plans to
build a retaining wall next to the slope from the drain field mound. I have
tried some other things and never liked them. Barbara and I went and bought 100
block for the wall, had them loaded into the truck and unloaded them by hand by
the slope. That was over a year ago. I’m prompt if not timely.
It
just never worked out to have time and the energy to tackle the project of
moving the dirt, preparing the base, tamping and then laying the block,
leveling and checking every 4 blocks (the length of my level). I really hate to
start something and have to leave it undone until I can come back. It bothers
me. My wife may not agree as I have left some of her projects and tried (not
been able) to not come back. That is another story.
So
I had the time, equipment and a beautiful day. The dog enjoyed the whole day
outside as well. Well, she went back inside at 5pm. I waited until 5:30. So, I
got started and by 1pm had used all of the 100 original stones and needed 12
more. That is when I decided I needed cap stone to finish the wall. I had not
intended to use cap stone for a more rustic look turns out it was just was too
rustic. Off to Lowes with the dog (she loves to ride) we picked up 40 cap
stones and 12 more block and a roll of landscape fabric, answered three phone
calls, pinched the fire out of my finger twice moving the stone, paid for it
(ouch) and headed back home.
I
parked close to the project and started laying the 12 stones recognizing they
were just a bit different in color but that was ok (I may yet intersperse them
in the other 100, you will never know). The caps went on well but there were
two to cut and no tile saw (it’s on loan). So, out with the chisel and with
repeated gentle strikes the stone broke on the scribed line and fit in place.
Success, I had laid the wall and it looked pretty good. My back, my hands, my
feet and my wallet were sore but success, I now have a small retaining wall. I
felt pretty good about myself.
Stone,
dirt and concrete can do that for you, make you feel pretty good about yourself!
It doesn’t last!
It
is so easy to derive value and worth from the created rather than the creator.
It is so easy to consider a ministry ours and therefore success the result of
our doing. If it is, it won’t last. I enjoy creating. Not like God, but putting
together items and materials to achieve an effect or create a thing. It is
satisfying. The problem is I enjoy that more than the knowledge of God’s love,
the experience of God’s love and the confirmation of God’s love. So, I am a
human doing rather than a human being. However, I have been created in the
image of God whose name is YHWY “I AM THAT I AM.” That is the first person of
the infinitive to be. The verb (a word of action) is be or to be. Therefore God’s
name is Be. I am made in his image “to BE.” Therein is my success, my joy, my
heart, my desire not what I create but that I AM created by the GREAT I AM.
Monday
night I rested and Tuesday (and Wednesday) I was sore. I am not as young as I
once was but neither are you. Today maybe I will rest in “be.” One who has
value and worth regardless of what I can do, say or think. God values us all!
I
really enjoyed being outside on what I call Chamber of Commerce days. The fall
is filled with them. They can fill you with the awe and wonder of God who
created them. Just don’t forget that it is he who created and not we.
Oh,
yeah He never takes a day off. He doesn’t need them!
In HIS Service and Yours,
BroG
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