| SHED ERECTION By Helen De Bruin For the past six weeks or so, our whole family has been busy erecting the shed which will one day soon (Godwilling) become our engineering workshop. Our place of business - at home, on our block. Part of this workshop has been there for over two years, built by professional shed erectors. An extention to this existing shed was required so that there would be enough room for our huge machinery, as well as other workshop space, for design and manufacturing of products. Running a small business is often challenging. As some of you may know, income is erratic. Either way, however, we live like kings, in the abundance of peace in trials and tribulation, and joy in every day occurrences. Simple things which bring a smile..... Because of erratic income, we have had to do a lot of work ourselves. At first, I looked on these required tasks as annoyances (there is so much to do within the home, yes?), but now I understand the reason for us having to learn about erecting, and I know that it has made a difference in all of our lives. You see, sisters, we all worked together. We learned together, too. The children, much to my delight, have learned the importance of team work and dependency on each other. We have had to cart heavy beams, balance these same beams, climb ladders and step-ladders, bolt and screw, mix and pour concrete, position lengths of metal sheet and hold them there for whatever length of time required. Oh, just so many things to mention. Some of these erecting times became quite heated, as patience and strength faded with the daylight hours. A mixture of kindness, thoughtfulness and care emerged alongside boredom and bad attitudes. Emotions sometimes ran high. The Lord provided these times to teach and train. Times like these have brought us closer than before. I see it in my children. No, sisters, I'm not saying that my children are the authentic, original version of righteousness! God forbid! By far, they are not. However, as a momma, I've noticed a difference in each of them. In each of their characters that wasn't there before. They have all learned to be flexible and I am so grateful that they are learning this quality at a young age. I tell them this. I tell them that as the years go by, old, bad habits are harder to shake off, and that it is a blessing to acquire the quality of flexibility (among other important qualities) now. Hopefully, and with the fear of the Lord in their minds and hearts, they will hold on to this 'law of their mother'. |