Renovation Reflections
" As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:1-10, NIV) [1]
Intro: Had an experience this past week that was very different for me and very enjoyable. I had been talking for some time about removing a wall and laying ceramic tile. We finally got to it.
It was a “man-thing”. Gary Page came with all his tools. Some he had borrowed. I have no tools and it doesn’t matter because I wouldn’t know what to do with them if I had them
We were there at the point of no return. I was frightened to death. If it were up to me nothing would ever change in my home. I can rip things apart but am totally inept when it comes to putting them back together.
The Handyman's Guide
1. If you can't find a screwdriver, use a knife. If you break off the tip, it's an improved screwdriver.
2. Try to work alone. An audience is rarely any help.
3. Above all, if what you've done is stupid, but it works, then it isn't stupid.
4. Work in the kitchen whenever you can ... many fine tools are there, its warm and dry, and you are close to the refrigerator.
5. If it's electronic, get a new one ... or consult a twelve-year- old.
6. Stay simple minded: Get a new battery; replace the bulb or fuse; see if the tank is empty; try turning the switch "on" ; or just paintover it.
7. Always take credit for miracles. If you dropped the alarm clock while taking it apart and it suddenly starts working, you have healed it.
8. Regardless of what people say, kicking, pounding, and throwing sometimes DOES help.
9. If something looks level, it is level.
10. If at first you don't succeed, redefine success.
Lessons Learned:
q I did things this week that I never thought I could or would do. I knew that I could be the lackey. As long as someone there knew what they were doing and had the ability to give specific directions, I knew that I could follow directions. In the Christian life there are things that all of us can do that we might never have imagined.
"But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:10-13, NKJV) [2]
q I got the “hang” of things quickly and actually began to lay the tile with confidence.
"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV) [3]
q My confidence came from my supervisor. If he left the room for too long I got nervous. I knew that if I made a mistake he could correct it.
q He had this dual and conflicting concern. He wanted two things for me desperately. He wanted me to learn and he wanted the end product to be sufficient. He didn’t supervise me so closely that I would be afraid to make a move.
q There are imperfections in the floor in my kitchen. Gary knows exactly where they are. I strain more to see them because I think that it looks great. Each imperfection is a cooperative effort between a person who could have done much better if her were left alone to complete the project, but it wouldn’t have been the same.
q Often there is a greater work done in us than through us. You see God can do anything that he wants to do. With the snap of his fingers he can change the world but he doesn’t operate that way. He “involves” us in the task of world changing in order to change us. My kitchen will look nice when the work is done but really I am the one who has learned something valuable as a life principle that makes me different and better.
Jesus, the Carpenter
My house was falling apart...
I called upon the carpenter
Quickly he came
He looked the situation over
gave an estimated cost
I gave him the OK.
Speedily he went to work
He tore down pride and
ripped into conceit
I watched in horror with
many questions
He never answered, simply
stated, "Trust me."
I saw him pull those nails of malice
And remove selfish ambition
it seemed there was nothing left.
Then he began to build
He established faith where there was nothing
hope where once there was
helplessness
I saw humility where pride
once reigned.
Slowly and carefully now he began
to build compassion and forgiveness.
Suddenly unsteadiness attacked!
He said, "Fear Not!" and with
patience and perseverance and
faith as the main support
He steadied my home.
He's still at work today
Jesus the carpenter at work in me.
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[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
[2] The New King James Version. 1996, c1982. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
[3] The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.