Carpentry

Today, God blessed me with a saw and drill, and a great conversation with a funny old man.

I have been waiting patiently to buy tools of my own, but friends, this has been quite the chore. Over the years I have borrowed from friends, been creative, and often leaned on the Church to provide for my utility needs. I pictured having to wait until I convinced my wife that we should register for a saw instead of a microwave, but I was wrong. I checked craigslist, made a phone call, and before long, off I was in search of a friendly voice's house. Each time I called, an older woman would answer, having seemingly been awakened from her nap, and holler across the house for Gary. I patiently waited for him to come to the phone, and decided to leave my "I know construction, so don't try to jip me" tone behind. He said "hello" and I asked how his day was going, catching him off guard. We chatted for a bit, and he invited me over to take a look at the tools. I fought the unploughed roads leading to his house, but arrived safely.

At the front door, I experienced one of my quirky loves: the dialogue inside that springs forth after someone rings a doorbell. Quick shuffling, "Gary, he's here, go get the door," she voiced. She answered the door. "Hello, Gary's in the back, but come on in." I step inside and close the door. Two cats rush past me down the corridor carved through the things cluttering the room. I think to myself, "Crazy cat couple; remember the exit for a quick get-away." I immediately judge them for the disarray around me. No! In the moment I chide myself and pray for a softer heart. By God's grace, my mind is brought to a right perspective.

Gary enters the scene, suspenders working hard, slicked back gray hair, and a firm hand shake. He brings out the case. "I'm selling them for my brother. Not even sure if they work, no battery you see." I give them a quick look over. They are in great condition. I tell him about having done roofing in Memphis and that this cordless circular saw would have come in handy. This spurs him to take out his wallet and grab an old business card, flip it over and take down my info, writing roofer next to my name and number. I try to explain that I have limited experience, and that I'm in nursing school, and attempt to discredit myself enough to avoid a phone call asking for me to re-roof a house. He writes part-time roofer instead. Feeling defeated, and expecting a call sometime soon, I pull out my wallet and hand him the money. "If they don't work, go ahead and bring them back," he says. I explain that I know I'm taking a risk, and not to worry about that. I thank him and start to head for the door.

He stops and tells me that he used to be a nurses' aid many years ago. I explain that I am also an aid at Boone hospital. After a very winded story about an experience he had as an aid, he urges me to really care for and about my patients. Words I always need to hear. I want work to never just be work, but an opportunity to worship Christ and wash feet. I am reminded of a verse in James 4 in which "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God." Thank you God for also having the grace to humble my pride.

God continues his work on me, refining me into an image of his son. Lots of canvas yet to paint, but I am encouraged by the growth I can see within myself. All glory be to God for this mighty work of his grace. A few verses later, James reads, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." This is great truth.

After buying a saw and reflecting on the day, I can't help but think of Joseph. A carpenter by trade, and Jesus, his apprentice. I am thankful that God directed my eye to craigslist today, that he might humble and bless me in a cluttered old house with a friendly old man.