My husband rented a log splitting machine last Saturday hoping we could split our year’s supply of firewood in a day, but we were in over our heads.
When I arrived Jerry was pushing against a segment of the tree that didn’t want to budge. It looked like a slice of sausage still attached by the skin, and he had to roll it back and forth to break it free. My man worked with everything he had.
The ticking clock
I took my position at the lever to raise and lower the wedge, freeing him to feed the slow-moving guillotine. He leaned his weight against the wood until the loud crack announced our success at breaking it into woodstove-sized pieces.
To save costs we hoped to finish the job in one day, and though my arrival quickened the pace exponentially, we admitted we wouldn’t be able to get it done in time. The pressure was intense as we discussed what to do.
The cavalry rode in
I texted for help and our daughter arrived with two strong friends, pulling on their work gloves. Within minutes they’d taken Jerry’s place rolling, pushing, and tossing the wood onto the growing pile, hustling like madmen. Amy took my spot at the lever, and Jerry and I, encouraged, just watched and grinned. We ended up with a nice pile of wood and happy hearts.
They were amazing
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty” (Proverbs 14:23 NIV).
Part of my anxiety that day grew from concern about the future. I know one day we may not be able to physically handle harvesting firewood, and our family and friends will not always be nearby to help us.
I can’t worry, though. Every human since Adam wondered how they’d survive as their bodies weakened. For now it’s profitable to work hard, trust God, and thank him for the people he’s brought to our lives, like Richard, who arrived to take Anthony’s spot when he left.
Here’s a note
Some things I don’t mind using till they’re worn out, like my car, my Bible cover that’s ratty and won’t zip any more, and my body–especially my body. May I use these things well for their prescribed purposes.
by Kathy Sheldon Davis
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ANNOUNCEMENT: Sometime in the next few weeks I’ll start a series of Bible study/devotionals on my blog. I’m interested in exploring the book of Proverbs again, but I’m not sure where we’ll go yet. I love reading the words of the wise!
kathysheldondavis.com 