So, between 1985 and 1988 we had a dream of building a cabin in the woods so our three little jack-rabbit kids could have a place to roam and hop around in. We knew we couldn’t afford a house in New York, so we aimed for Puerto Rico-somewhere we knew nothing about but my parents had just relocated there. We accomplished our dream. Bought a log cabin kit without any land to build on or a builder to erect it. Later, purchased land unseen, met our builder, realized our dream, and worked hard at it for the next 34 years. Built it the way we wanted it with lots of sweat and tears. There were new experiences everywhere.
Building together can strengthen a relationship and strain it as well. In the end, we’re better for it. Our three kids also had major experiences as well which have helped them in their current lives. Building up is an opportunity to start afresh. It’s a time to dream, and to see if God was factored in or not. If He wasn’t, now’s the time to invite Him in. How? First, don’t try to fix your mess. Instead, look within yourself. Acknowledge yourself a sinner in need of a savior. Open the door to your heart, invite Him in. He’ll work changes within you. You’ll “see His face” in that you’ll sense His presence in your life all the time. As you read His word, you’ll see what He’s like. As you build your life around Him, He’ll build you up. He’ll mature you as a believer. He’ll nourish you to withstand Satan’s guiles and fiery darts.
Just as building our home has taken years, don’t expect to build up your life overnight. Early on, I learned a lot of what the Bible taught and I mastered just about everything in the book of Revelation. I thought I was done. I knew it all. While, yes, I had the knowledge, the experience part was missing. Now, that’s where I’ve been at for most of these 29 years! On-the-job-training!
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1Thessalonians 5:11).
Pics: Top Left-Logs Galore! Top Right-Time To Build! Above Left: Work Crew, Above Right-Built!
God Bless!
Sam