I built a garden yesterday. Yes, that’s right, a garden. It’s just how I roll. I went to Home Depot, bought a bunch of 3X5X8 boards, a bag of nails, then came home, grabbed my hammer, my saw, and my drill and built. I was a machine. Neighbours stood in their windows watching as I created something from nothing. It was … well, miraculous.
Okay, maybe that’s not exactly true. Maybe what really happened was I got the wood home, stood looking at the massive pile and began to whimper a little. Maybe, in a moment of panic, I called my buddy up who just happens to thrive at this sort of thing, and maybe he came over and built a garden in the back yard while I fetched whatever materials he needed me to get. Maybe neighbours did stand in their windows, shaking their heads in disbelief that a bad ass biker could be so “constructionally-challenged.” Maybe.
We started building around 1:30pm and it was done by 4:30pm. Not bad for an afternoon of work! However, by 6:00pm, I was done. Exhausted. Dead. I fought to keep my eyes open. At 9pm, I headed to bed. By 9:30pm, I was handing the remote to Heather and drifting off to sleep, dreaming of sitting in front of my computer, writing articles, blogs, sermons, rather than swinging hammers and lifting stuff.
I woke up this morning ready to enjoy a fresh tomato from my newly built garden. Okay, just kidding, I knew there wouldn’t be tomatoes yet, after all, we still need to fill the thing with dirt and actually plant something. But, I did look out my living room window and smile with a sense of accomplishment at the beautiful structure that sits at the far end of my backyard.
Have you ever noticed how finishing a project can bring a sense of reward? Even though it was my buddy who did most of the work, I still feel amazing this morning knowing that I had a hand in seeing something built up from nothing. And, it’s not even finished! I can’t wait to see it filled with vegetables.
I think there are times when God looks at us in that way. His creation, still growing, still under construction. I think he looks at us and smiles and thinks to himself, I built him. I designed her. He knows we’re not done. This journey of becoming the very person we are meant to be is ongoing. While we may be bearing fruit, there is more to come. I’m sure he can’t wait. I’m sure he gets excited at the potential he sees in his creation. For God, it’s an exciting process.
Do you enjoy the journey? Do you stop and relish the accomplishments along the way? The moments when one part of the construction process is finished? Why not take a minute today and consider the areas of your life where there has been success. Enjoy those victories before you move on to the next area that needs change.
Off to grab my hammer … something needs building!
