That'll Do

Matthew 6:19-20 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;"

Looking around the homestead (and looking in the mirror, for that matter) brings to the forefront of my mind that things are moving from order to disorder, from death to life, from newness to decrepit and desiccated.

Things break and need fixing.  Sometimes we go to the hardware store or feed store and buy new parts to repair and restore the old and worn out.  Other times, we take a position of "That'll do."  Do you ever do that?  There is nothing that can't be fixed with tie wire or a roll of duct tape.

Here's an example or two:  A few weeks ago, we reported that a big Chinaberry tree fell across the fence in a storm, ripping the fencing from the 4 x 4 post.  I cut up and removed the tree.  I needed to fix the fence.  I could have gotten the come-along (fence stretcher), a hammer and some staples and done a fine job of mending the fence.  Other priorities pulled and I opted to get some tie wire and quickly fasten the fencing to the post.  "That'll do."  I'll get around to fixing it right one day.

Tie wire holding things together

As the Gospel of Matthew tells us, rust destroys!  It is doing its best to destroy our old 1978 model cattle trailer.  It was my grandpa's and I want to not allow it to get in a state of disrepair.  This weekend I began the arduous task of fixing it.  I could bring it to a welder and have new sheet metal installed, but I opted to pressure wash, sand, coat with Ospho and patch it myself.  For the larger rusted out holes I used fiberglass patches coated in a resin/hardener concoction. 

Large rust holes patched up

For the smaller holes, I used Bondo.  It is a putty-like substance that you add a hardener to and spread over small rust holes and fissures.  I'll later sand and prime and paint.  It'll look good as new.  Yes, "that'll do."

Putting some lipstick on the pig

And moths...  In this case termites.  We discovered termites in our barn!  The other day in the feed room, I stepped right through the floor.  Termites had eaten through the 2 x 12 flooring!  I'll post later about this in more detail later.  Professional treatment of termites can be very expensive.  I purchased some termite insecticide at the hardware store and am in the process of eradicated the problem.  I've killed a bunch of them.  I'm hoping to be able to say, "That'll do."  Still too early in the battle to tell.

Termites be gone!

We're a simple country couple on a simple homestead trying to do the best we can on a shoestring budget.  We're learning as we go - usually from our mistakes.  But we're happy and continually try to be content with what the Good Lord has given us.  And as I think about it, "That'll (More than) Do."

"When you arise in the morning give thanks for the morning light. Give thanks for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food. And give thanks for the joy of living. And if perchance you see no reason to give thanks. Rest assured the fault is yours." - Unknown

On the First day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me

Acts 20:35

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

35 In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

We're in the Christmas season, right?  This is the season of giving, we're told.  I ran across this from ABC news and thought it was interesting:  Popular Gifts 1913 and 2013  This piece compared the most popular gifts in 1913 and then again 100 years later, in 2013.  Are you ready for this?

Most popular presents in 1913:

1.   Candy

2.   Nuts
3.   Rocking Horse
4.   Doll
5.   Mittens/gloves
6.   Toy Train
7.   Oranges
8.   Books
9.   Handkerchiefs
10. Skates

#1 on the list: Hard Candy

In the words of a popular Dolly Parton song, "I'll be fine and dandy, Lord it's like a hard candy Christmas. I'm barely getting through tomorrow, but still I won't let sorrow bring me way down." 

Most popular presents in 2013:
1.   Furby Boom
2.   Teksta Robotic Puppy
3.   LeapPad Ultra
4.   Flying Fairy
5.   Big Hugs Elmo
6.   Barbie Dreamhouse
7.   Giggly Monkey
8.   Nerf Gun
9.   Ninja Turtles
10.  Lego

Behold the Furby Boom 

Now I understand progress.  Many of the items on the 2013 list are just modern day dolls, which was #4 on the list.  I get that, but the thing that stands out to me is the simplicity of the 1013 list: candy, nuts, an orange. Not only the simplicity, but the practical nature of some of gifts.  I would submit that the mittens/gloves weren't #5 because they were fashionable, but because they were functional - they kept your hands warm. The handkerchief probably wasn't a Ralph Lauren handkerchief.  They just needed one to blow their nose!

If you are like me, you have things on your 'list' that you want and need.  I find that when I sacrifice and save my money and purchase that item, I never am satisfied.  I begin looking to get the next item on my list.  You know, the one that will make life better, easier, and save time?  But it never does.  And so begins that futile, endless quest to find the thing that will make you satisfied and happy.  It makes me wonder...

Has my threshold for contentment and satisfaction been raised to unsustainable levels?  Have I become greedy, materialistic, and covetous?  Am I selfish and spoiled? How much does it take to make me happy? What does it take to give me real contentment and joy?  There's nothing wrong with giving gifts or accepting them. I love to give things to my wife and kids, family members and friends that I know will make them happy.  The bottom line, to me, is where does our true, lasting contentment come from?  I need to remember where the PERFECT GIFT can be found:

James 1:17

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

I constantly need to be reminded of this.  Thank you LORD!