The top one is the “before” picture; the bottom one is the “after.” I’m very grateful for Bill Nutt, whose sixty-some years experience in doing this sort of work certainly shows. He is a professional with an eye for detail, and a generous heart, too.

This was a first for me. I’m not real good with concrete – I suppose in my line of work I’m much more of an abstract thinker. I hauled about three-fourths of a yard of it in a wheelbarrow a week ago. I have a new appreciation for people who do this sort of thing all the time. It’s hard work! I went into teach class that afternoon still sweating. But it was worth all the effort. For years, we have had water drain right next to the foundation of the house, and now with the slope, the problem is solved.

It reminded me a little of the Old Testament story about the Israelites making “bricks without straw.” I actually had some junior high kids try that one summer at camp. Again, it’s not an easy job. Here’s what is amazing to me, though. When you read through the entire story of the Exodus, you discover one of the greatest contributions these people made to human civilization: A day off! Up until that time, you just worked all day, every day, until you died.

It wasn’t the Israelites, exactly, that came up with the idea. It was God. And the purpose was not simply to take a break for one day. It was a Sabbath intended to remind them that there were things much more important than making bricks. In fact, there was one thing more important than all things in this world put together, only it was not a thing. Taking a day to remember God is a way to keep everything else in proper perspective.

Thoughts worth pondering while hauling another load of concrete…