This is not an exact representation of our current project but we found something similar under the kitchen floor today. Long ago and right under our feet, somebody thought it would be a fine idea to cut through a floor joist to make room for some pipes. Now, we have done some slap-happy things around here but we did not, I repeat, did not, do something this dumb. We know better than to cut holes in the very thing that keeps us from falling through the floor. To be fair, nobody ever walked right over that spot until we took out cabinets and part of a wall, but still, not smart to cut a floor joist. Just not smart at all. I reckon they figured there would be cabinets over this area and the weight would be spread out across the adjacent joists. At least I hope there was some sort of thought process behind this mess. Still and all, my handy father-son crew has spent a considerable amount of time shoring things up today. Putting them behind on the to-do list. And if I ever come across whoever built this house, they best run. I'm not fast but I guarantee I would catch them. I have some questions. And they have some 'splaining to do. This is but the most recent item on my list. Right up there with them pouring concrete over chicken wire on 3/4" plywood and sticking tile on top. And hanging wallpaper directly onto untreated sheet rock. Just to name a couple. But you know, when you come across something like this there's nothing to do but fix it and get on to the next thing. Because there's always a next thing.
While I scoff at the obvious idiocy of some people, I'm afraid I may have a few specks in my eyes. Or 2x4's. Figuratively, at least. Because there may have been a time or two when I cut right through the very thing that holds me up without batting an eyelash. I imagine I'm not alone. I know good and well I need community. I need people who will hold me accountable and people who will sharpen me and push me to do better - to be better. And, I just crawl over in my corner and pull the blanket over my head like it makes me invisible. Choosing isolation over engagement. Cutting off my support system. Or, I get out of the good habits of discipleship. Because discipline is a yucky word. I just want my easy button... cut right through here, it'll be quicker and it's hidden under stuff. If this is not striking a chord, just x-out and go look at the post about puppies.
The hard truth is that things always move, and sometimes weaknesses get exposed. It's a slow and painful process to re-build what has been compromised. But the good truth is that it is almost always possible to make repairs and, big and, the restored places are usually stronger than they ever were.
So, the crew is finishing up the floor late this afternoon. I can hear them banging in new nails right now. And with chills up and down my arms, I am reminded of other nails and other crossed pieces of wood. We humans cut down the very One sent to make us whole. We did a dumb thing. But there's a way back. Our horrible thought process was the very thing He used to show how much He loved us. All the way to death and back. Just now, my guys are cheering, the job finished. Heaven cheers, too. Awesome! What was torn up is now restored! Hallelujah to the Repairer of Souls! Selah.
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