9December2009
a hole in the wall
Posted by nate under: Uncategorized.
This morning three large trucks and three strong men showed up at our place to put a hole in the wall of our basement and install an egress window. It’s amazing what skilled laborers with the know how and correct tools can accomplish. In a matter of hours the window was slid into place. If I would’ve done this job we’d be looking at a matter of weeks. And a couple bottles of aspirin. And marriage counseling. (A thing that should probably be factored into most home improvement budgets.)
But it is not my job to dig holes and bust up cement and operate bobcats. I don’t know how, I don’t have the strength, and I don’t have the drive. No, while these guys did their job I went and did mine. I drove over to Minneapolis, dropped my wife and daughter off for a play date, and showed up at friend’s Joel and Aimee Pakan’s house for a play date of my own. I got to play a slide part for a version of Amazing Grace they had been commissioned to record. I had a blast €“ Joel and Aimee are great to work with, I was happy with my part (confidant in Joel’s editing abilities of course) and most importantly they were happy with it too! We wrapped up by noon, I picked up Jodi and Elsa and we had lunch at Papa’s. Yum. I had the best hot hoagie of my life!
We got back home and the guys were wrapping things up. I’m all about home improvement and the diy thing, but I’m thankful that in the last 6 months I’ve gained discernment in knowing what I am capable of and what I need to ask for help with.
I think there’s a strong connection between discernment, honesty, and humility. They kind of grow together. Of course once you blog about growing in humility all bets are off. Oh well at least I’m being honest. But enough about how awesome I’m evolving.
This is the connection I see between the three. By approaching the situation with honesty you reveal your limitations. Once you know your limitations discernment gets easier because you’re working with absolutes and not theoreticals. And with the discernment you turn to others and this dependence and admitting of weakness leads to humility.
So I’m thankful for all those who embrace their work and do it well. I’m grateful that some people are good at busting up cement. And I hope at the end of the day they’re grateful when they turn on the radio and drive home singing along to their favorite song. When we all work, we all work together.
