We're building a fort. Not a small one either. I know, we're crazy! Well, I guess I have to admit, I'm the crazy one. And ... Jerry and my Dad ... they're the ones working on my crazy plan. But, really ... we looked everywhere for a fort with all the things we wanted for the boys ... and ... in our price range. Nothing ... so ... we set out on a mission. On an adventure. At it's highest peak, this fort will stand 11 feet off the ground. There will be a castle tower, a bridge leading to a small pirate ship and lots of cool things hidden inside. It's going to be a long, time consuming task.
Jerry and my Dad have been handling a large portion of the frame work. But, I decided I wanted to do something to help. Aren't all mommies like that? Don't we always have to be in on the action? I do. I wanted to be able to say ... "Hey, I helped build that!" So, I decided to help with the frame on the 11 foot castle tower.
I was about 8 feet off the ground, standing on an older ladder. As I swung the hammer, I felt the ladder shift under my weight. My legs buckled a little and I grabbed hold of the support beam. But ... I didn't need it. From out of nowhere, the ladder steadied. I gained my balance and looked down ... there was my Dad ... hand on the ladder, balancing it ... steadying it.
As we worked through the remaining support beams, I thought about how good it felt to go from being afraid I would fall 8 feet to the hard ground ... to feeling safe, knowing I was totally safe. I could stand at the very top rung and hammer in the nail. I could finish what I started ... knowing I had someone steadying my ladder.
Life is so much like that. I want that for each of my boys. I want them to climb as high as they want ... knowing that Jesus will be there to steady them if they start to slip. And, isn't that what Jesus wants for us, His children? He wants us to know He is ALWAYS there ... always watching ... steadying. And, we can do that for each other. We can be the one standing at the bottom of the ladder, watching and waiting ... to steady it when our brothers and sisters in Christ slip. When they need support, balancing ... someone to hold the ladder while they set out on their adventures, reach their goals ... their dreams.
Have you steadied a ladder today?
Hebrews 13:6 "So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
Jesus is our fortress, our shield and stronghold. How awesome it is when we build a fortress which is Christ's...Now, your kids can have a wonderful time playing in that fort you built and you don't have to worry also that spiritually, they have the Lord as their fort! Blessings.
ReplyDeleteAine,
ReplyDeleteGreat story and the way you used it to tie our safety and security back to God, well said and I love it!
If you get a chance, stop by and participate in some of my giveaways, most of them end this weekend! I'd love to have you join!
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
I love it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story and analogy!
ReplyDelete"I want them to climb as high as they want ... knowing that Jesus will be there to steady them if they start to slip"
I pray that I can do the same for my daughters.
Thank you all for stopping by and leaving comments. I love hearing from each of you.
ReplyDeleteGod bless each of you today! :)
I needed a couple kleenex for that one Aine! Your stories are really touching my heart. Keep writing, inspiring us and pointing us to God!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the encouragement Kathy. :) God Bless you! Aine
ReplyDelete