As I look back on my recent week in Tennessee, I am struck by the flexibility that everyone gave during the week. Injecting four guys into a couple’s life could be a formula for stress. It could have easily drifted into an extended period of tension.
One example emerged as we were giving my Dad grief about the lighting in his shop. Everyone was taking his turn on the wood lathe. In addition to the ongoing stream of comments, it was hard to actually see what you were doing. The lighting was bad enough that early on two of us had dragged the lathe to a spot right under a bank of florescent lights. It was enough, but barely.
Dad to his credit caved in early. He agreed that the lighting was bad. The fixtures were used when they were put in more than fifteen years before. It was time for a change.
I agreed. As my piece was drying, I suggested we make a run to the store.
“Now?”
“Yes, now.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
The trip to Home Depot and Lowe’s provided us with several options. One option clearly stood out. As we loaded the 32 boxes of fixtures and 8 cartons of 10-pack bulbs on the truck, Dad was already wondering when he was going to have time to install them.
As we came into the shop, I knew the moment did not need to wait.
Magical things can happen when someone uses the window at hand. It does not have to be a convenient time. Things do not always need to fit perfectly. One may not even be in the mood.
A group of guys had plans. It seems that time had different ideas. “We met on Sunday to worship and celebrate the Master’s Supper. Paul addressed the congregation. Our plan was to leave first thing in the morning, but Paul talked on, way past midnight.” (Acts 20.7)
For us, dinner out could wait for another night. The window was here. The timing was right for action. The shops needed new lights.
