I’m a frustrated carpenter.  Or, should I say, I’m frustrated because I’m not a carpenter.  From the time I was able to hold a hammer, I have enjoyed building things.  It’s impossible for me to pass by a construction site without gawking.  (I have trespassed on more than a few houses under construction after hours, not to steal materials but to steal ideas.)

Truthfully, I would rather watch a skilled woodworker crafting something in a dusty shop than sit in a comfy theater seat watching a play on stage.  Norm Abrams may be my favorite TV star.

I’ve built some things and renovated a couple houses.  I am not just an observer.  So I know that in the real world, whether raising a wall or building a table, there are challenges and compromises.  It’s not simple or pain free to build things.  I have also done enough of my own work to know that even my best craftsmanship is not comparable to a real pro who has dedicated a working life to the craft.

The thing that appeals to me about construction is not the sweat or braving the elements and certainly not working from ladders!  The reason I love it is because when you are done, you’re done.  You can stand back and say, “There!”  It may not be perfect, but it is complete.

I suspect that the completion of a work of literature or a piece of art or a musical composition would offer the same satisfaction.

But these are exceptions to the rule.  Most of the things that require our blood sweat and tears don’t have a definite point at which we can say, “that’s it; the job’s done.”  We spend a lifetime working on our relationships, forging our character, learning gratitude and kindness.

When Jesus was criticized for healing on the sabbath he responded, “My Father is still working, and I also am working.”  (John 5:17)  Jesus is doing more than defending himself for working on the sabbath.  He refutes the idea that God is finished with us or the world.

If God is still working, then so must we.  We have work to do on ourselves.  We have work to do to bring healing to the hurting and justice to the oppressed, food to the hungry and welcome to the outcast.

Prayer:  You know I would like to put my tools down and call it a day.  Give me grace to keep doing your work in the world and in my soul.  Amen.