Assembly Successes and the Perfect Life Guide
As dysfunctional as my attitude is on cooking, it is amazing that when it comes to assembling furniture, I follow directions to a T.
Most assembly directions are challenging. The directions have illustrations that are best read by super magnifying lenses. And wouldn’t it be nice if every piece were labeled “This side up, dummy!” or come with color-coded screws?
It is a delightful rarity when an item that arrives in a bajillion pieces is carefully engineered with quality products. Several years ago, the KidKraft kitchen set was the best thing I have ever assembled. Real wood with fittings that were creative and well constructed made the process a snap. Well, it did take me four hours, but I move slowly. Despite the anticipated abuse by a bunch of 3-8 year olds, I believe the play set will survive for many years. I strongly recommend KidKraft products.
To further outfit my classroom, I also purchased a shelving unit from a different company. Oh my! The particleboard was so flakey it literally crumbled as I twisted every screw. The veneer at the corners was chipped, and one section on the bottom was missing nearly an inch of trim. Bargains are almost always just that – cheap.
My latest construction project was a five-drawer chest. I carefully laid out every piece. Ronald started picking up pieces and putting them together. He knew immediately from my look at the directions and then at him, that he had better leave well enough alone. Though it took a while to do, the well-designed product was worth the time and effort. Following directions from beginning to end was an important key to the process.
So where is the object lesson?
Even with directions from the Bible, life can be hard. Spiritual construction is a process, not something that can be hurried. Even when bombarded with frustrations and tragedies, taking deliberate, obedient steps to serve and glorify God will see us through the pains and aggravations of life.
Quality materials make a difference. Biblical concepts and precepts are God-given and are perfect. We begin to cheapen the Word by taking God’s truth lightly. When life screws us, our lives crumble because we reject the principles that God has given that would make us strong.
I heard of some young people who commented to my granddaughter that the Bible was totally irrelevant for today’s world. I guess they haven’t read it very much.
As a child or new believer, some great basics for successful living can be found in the Proverbs. For an old timer, reading a chapter of Proverbs a day as a habit will continue to wisely guide my life no matter how often I read it. Faithful study of the entire Bible can change lives and attitudes. Give it a try!
Blessings KB
Proverbs 24:3-4
Through wisdom, a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
Psalm 127:1
Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted.
Matthew 7:24
Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on a solid rock.
