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The Pastoral Lens
Three-Toed Sloths Need Not Apply
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
My dear wife has been after me for quite some time now to dispose of the children's defunct swingset from the backyard. It sits vacant and lonely right in the middle of the yard, long past its previous duration of usefulness. I have to admit, besides the usual excuses of "too busy" or "Michael may still use it" I have been reluctant to let go of the past, for nostalgic reasons. However, the day finally came and I was determined to get this lingering item off my 'honey-do' list.I grabbed my tool box, a seldom-used item that most men I know would be embarrassed to admit was theirs, and headed for the weather-beaten metal monument in the backyard. With great zeal I attacked the rusty lug nuts and promptly cut my left hand with the screwdriver. I am not what you could call the handiest of husbands. Red Green says that a wife should at least find you handy if she doesn't find you handsome. I may need to get Ruth a decent pair of rose coloured glasses. As I went inside to nurse the wound a brilliant shaft of light entered my brain. Down the street from me is a young guy who deals in scrap metal. Might he be interested in taking this load off my hands? I decided to go and find out.
As I approached Norm's house I saw him outside working. After the usual pleasantries I optimistically made my pitch. "Hey, Norm, would it be worth your while to accept a donation of metal from my backyard? It will require a little work, but there's a fair amount." The words were scarcely off my lips when he assured me he'd have the swingset down and hauled away in 15 minutes. Eureka! I sensed my shares of domestic stock rising in Ruth's eyes.
Norm didn't bother with trying to get the rusty lug nuts off. He just attacked the beast with his saw. My 2 boys watched wild-eyed in amazement as their former gym/entertainment device was dismantled in short order. I was somewhat concerned that the event would be hurtful for them until Norm started explaining how there was money to be made in scrap metal. You need to know my sons. They crawl under cash registers and shelving in search of loose change at the grocery store. Norm's words to them were like the wisdom of some financial sage divulging the secrets of his trade. Before I knew it Nicholas and Michael had run into the house, grabbed grocery bags, and started foraging for anything metal. After exhausting the meager resources of the home they then asked permission to pester neighbours for any handouts that might produce. I admired their passion but drew the line on becoming a stench to the good folks who live around us.
I must admit, I was proud of the resourcefulness and initiative displayed by the boys. It has been my eobservation in life that anyone who is willing to work hard will get results. There are many verses in the Bible in the Book of Proverbs that warn against laziness. Proverbs 26:15 says, "The lazy man buries his hand in the dish; he is weary of bringing it to his mouth again." So, what are the things you would like to accomplish this summer? What is standing in your way of seeing them fulfilled? Decide today that you won't be afraid of a little work to see things happen. The decision is up to you!
