Fathers and Mothers Are Laying a Foundation

When most look at this workbench picture, they probably conclude that a woodworker has been busy creating beautiful items from wood. But this picture reminds me of several different stories. This was my workshop in our Milwaukee home at 4849 North 66th Street. Some of the stories include my father, who showed me how to use tools. He was a man of order and organization. His tools were hung purposefully so that they could be found easily. If a tool was missing, he could tell almost immediately it was gone. It isn’t surprising that I would have an organized workshop because I noticed his example and followed in his footsteps.

Another story I see in this picture is the destination of the wall shelf. I made the shelf for Cindie. If she had an idea for a shelf or a project, I could put the skills I learned from my father into practice to create the item she desired. This reminds me the tools and skills I had weren’t for my benefit, even though I enjoyed using them and making something with them. The results were for the benefit and enjoyment of others.

The same is true in the spiritual realm. The difference is that the stakes are much higher. The Apostle Paul understood that a good builder must lay a solid foundation of truth. The foundation had to be Jesus Christ. Successful living couldn’t be accomplished by “keeping the law.” By the law everyone stands condemned. We fall far short.

Paul knew others would come along beside and after him and build on the foundation. He knew that he had to be thoughtful and careful about the part he played in working in God’s field and on God’s building. He said this to the church at Corinth, “For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:9-11 (ESV)

I see our son and daughter and their spouses continuing the building process. The things each of them learned from us, from Steve and Jo Schultz, from Dennis and Diane Kanten, and from their grandparents as well, are part of the building process. Sometimes what I observe is related to everyday practical living. Other times it is a focus on the things that matter for eternity. In all these things, we should have a constant awareness of the way we are building into the lives of our children and grandchildren. Little ones are watching, and it is highly likely that they will walk like we walk, think like we think, act like we act and respond like we respond.

Make certain you get the foundation right and take care how you build.

Here is the completed project as it appears in our Fitchburg Wisconsin home today. It still tells a story.

Count Your Blessings!