"B" is for Beginnings
Basics, Babies, and Belt Sanders
Welcome to The Workbox. If you did not read last week's post, I encourage you to check it out before reading this one. It outlines the format of this post and upcoming ones as well. You can check it out here <---! And here is a link to the archives for further perusal.
Back to the Basics
We have all gotten off track at times. And we have had to remind ourselves to go back to the basics. Whether in a game of basketball, where we forget the fundamentals (pass, dribble, shoot), or in the craziness of life where we get caught up in the hectic flow and forget those important basics of putting God first.
The basics of faith and life can be summed up by a verse in Ecclesiastes 12.13 which states, "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." (ESV) It is as if the author is telling us, "after hearing all of this talk, the very basics of what I am saying is this... Fear God and keep his commandments." Jesus too, reminds us of the basics when tested by a religious leader in Matthew 22.34. Jesus says, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Jesus is saying, these two things are the very basics of living. Love God and love your neighbor.
Having a sturdy foundation enables you to build a strong and lasting structure. It is important to focus on the basics and to continually build upon them as we live. We cannot forget them. As we mature and grow (in life and in faith) these basics become more integrated in every facet of our lives. We do not reach a point where we get to decide we do not need them anymore. Without the basics, everything falls apart. You cannot play basketball if you do not pass, dribble, or shoot. And a boat isn't a boat if cannot do the basic thing boats do... float. You can add all the sails, engines, cannons, and decks you want, but if it doesn't float, it isn't a boat.
Ultimately, we must trust in God and His Spirit to remind us about the basics of faith. It takes daily reading of Scripture, meditation, and action to keep those basics centered where they ought to be. John says in his letter "if we say we know him, but does not keep his commandments, is a liar and the truth is not in him." There is a high degree of walking the walk and not just talking the talk. There is a direct correlation between saying and doing. Confession should always be followed by action. These are the basics of faith.
Baby Boy
As a new first time father, I have had the wonderful privilege of watching my little boy grow. He is nigh seven months old and every moment has been fantastic, from the late night attempts of putting him back to sleep to his first smile, there have been many moments that I am sure have left an indelible mark on me. Last year, before my son was born, I wrote a post pondering what raising my son would be like. You can check it out here. Overall, there were many questions, and the answers even now remain few. Yet, something deep and profound has taken place in my life. Fatherhood, a journey within the journey of marriage, is a high calling.
I have been called to disciple and raise my son. This directive is weighty, and by no means easy. But by all means, it is rewarding. Right now, my boy isn't really at a stage to learn morals or for me to instill wisdom into his life, he is more of the keep alive and comfortable stage. Eat. Sleep. Play. These are his three pillars at the moment. Yet, soon, and probably sooner than I expect, there will be questions, adventures, discipleship, and discipline.
I wrote last week about being prepared to face God. We are no mere mortals. My responsibility is to prepare my son to glorify God in his own life. I cannot do it for him. And I will not answer for him on the day he meets God. Yet, I will play a vital role in his life. I pray that it is a good one. As Father’s Day shrinks into the distance, I think about the unexpected joys of being my son’s father. It has been a role that I have thought about many times before being married, and now the season has come. I have prepared, I have read books, watched lectures, and have been mentored by many great fathers. And now my time has come.
Overall, the preparation has paid off in many ways. But I think, to a degree, this season is easier than the ones to come. We have heard it said, “where there is a will, there is a way.” Well, when there are two wills, there is more than one way, which can create conflict. The conflict of parenting will be where the rubber meets the road. Consistency, patience, and long-suffering, all encompassed by love will be the keys to how I parent my son.
The Poetry Section
The beginning of the matter is better than the end.
For one can see the beginning of every bend
But the end is hidden ‘round the corner
Like a secret locked away
Belt Sander/Grinder
The tool for this week is the belt sander! According to Wood Floor Business, the belt sander was invented by Eugen Laegler in 1969. One of the main reasons that belt sanders have an advantage over other larger-scale sanders is the voltage. Belt sanders use 110v, while a drum sander, an alternative, uses 220v. This means that the belt sander is more mobile. The belt is also easier and faster to put on, making efficiency and ease of use inviting to customers.
One can use a belt sander to grind wood or metal depending on the configuration and size of the sander. I have personally used belt sanders for flooring and shaving the tops of doors that don't want to fit anymore. If you have watched the History Channel's show, Forged in Fire, they often use large belt grinders for sharpening and shaping their knives.
Overall, they are a fun tool to use, but they can have a tendency to get away from you. Keep the old adage in mind if you find yourself using a belt grinder or sander. "Less is more.”
Local Photography
This week’s picture features the display at the front of the Boone County Fire District Headquarters. The Boone County Fire Department was created in 1966 as the then named Boone County Volunteer Fire Department ordered a new metal building to house resident firefighters. What started as one building and a handful of volunteers/enthusiasts has today grown into 16 stations throughout my county.
Jake- I appreciate the rhyming flow of this piece. Hope you're well this week. Cheers, -Thalia