Foundations - and other thoughts!

This morning was spent on three jobs in the house and in the garden.  The first of these was the fitting of two new lamps in a bathroom fixture.  It was to be a straightforward process - until I realised that the lamps that were being replaced operated on 12volts, while the replacements operated on 220 volts.  Not a problem, some electrically-qualified reader may be thinking.  However, although it was easy to remove the transformer, it was not as easy to identify the various cables - that appeared to have been used because they were what was available!  Anyway, the lamps were eventually fitted; connected; and, I am happy to report, are working.

That job was immediately followed by the 'fitting' of a temporary work-surface in the kitchen.  This involved taking 3" off the end of a large sheet of contiboard; using blocks of wood on top of two camping tables to bring the board to an appropriate height; and fixing the board to the wall.   However, that wee job was completed - relatively easily.

Task number three was in the garden, and had been started yesterday.  It involved the digging of an area of almost 11'x 6' to a depth of 6".  This was then filled with a sand/gravel mix and levelled off.  A wooden frame was constructed, and also levelled off, before more of the gravel mix was used to fill it to within 2" of the top.  That mix was levelled, and tamped down, and, next week (we are out for the next three days!) 2" of concrete will be added and allowed to 'cure' for about a week!  That will then provide a good solid base for the new, metal, garden shed that we have purchased, and that I hope to erect during the week after next - weather conditions permitting!

So, why would I want to share all of that with you?  Well, I would suggest that each task has a lesson for life!  When I was working at the lights in the bathroom, I had to keep switching the power off and on again.   That, of course, was for my own safety.  However, the simple fact is that, without power, nothing happens.  Jesus said: "... you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses ..." (Acts 1:8).   Need power in your Christian walk?  Invite God the Holy Spirit to come upon you.

What about work-top 'fitting'?  Well, I would suggest that it is a reminder that Father God is willing to use us - just as we are!   Different people have different giftings, natural talents, training, and ability.  When exercising those giftings, etc., we are comfortable.  "This is what I was made for." we might even say!  However, is it not the case that, sometimes, we have to go beyond our comfort zone, in order to achieve a specific objective?  None of the items used to build that work-top were designed to be thus used.  However, you may be assured that they are doing the job, and doing it admirably!

Which leaves the 'outside work'.  No difficulty in seeing a lesson there.  In fact, it isn't even a new lesson.  Jesus taught it some 2,000 years ago.  It's to do with foundations!  If I want my new shed to withstand any storms that come to the area (yes, even the Dordogne does get some!), then I need to spend time on the base - the foundation.  If I get that right, it is probable that my shed will stand for many years.  If I get that wrong, then my shed is likely to collapse before very long.

Jesus' lesson on foundations is found in Matt 7:24-27: "Every one then who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.  And every one who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it."

The best foundation for life is the Word of God.  Read it; study it; meditate upon it; commit it to memory.  It will be "... a lamp to [your] feet, and a light to [your] path." (Ps 119:105).

Be filled with the power of God the Holy Spirit; be willing to move out of your personal 'comfort zone' in the Lord's service; ensure that your life is built on the solid foundation of the Word of God - all of it!  Not a bad wee set of lessons from one morning's work.  May all who read, be blessed as they put those lessons into practice in their own lives.