When it all breaks down

This past year has been a challange to say the least. Things in a busy household don't last forever. We've had our ceiling fan, dishwasher and Ford windstar bite the dust. We've needed to call a plumber to repair both kitchen and bathroom water fixtures. We've had minor home repairs to make as well as 2 major appliances to replace.

Now I'm not shy about doing my own repairs. I kind of like the challange of puzzles. And as long as there are instructionals, I will follow directions. But some things just need to be worked out by proffessionals. In theory, directions followed should bring about the anticipated result of a working fixture. But whats up with the extra nuts and bolts after all has been done? I seem to have this sense of accomplishment when the fix takes, yet the package still has these extra parts that send an underlying feeling I might have missed something.

Anyway, I usually toss all the left over parts into the toolbox , or place them in the garage just in case. Months later I can't even identify the need for most of them! But I hang on to them as a type of insurance against any malfunction. That is the girl scout in me.

This is a reoccurring theme in many areas of my life. Holding on to the little bits and pieces of fabric long after a garment is sewn, just in case it tears. Keep all buttons that come with a new sweater of jacket. File all reciepts for purchases just in case a return is needed.

I suppose this behavior stems from experience. And mine of course tells me that someday I will need to replace the worn or broken with an extended timeline. As I ponder putting things back together, I find a simple peace. One that tells me I have all that I might require to get the job done.

The real question I face is not about being prepared to work at something, but when to get rid of something that isn't working! I'm speaking metaphorically here. Of course I know when a lamp is trash worthy, but what of the long term relationships that are in constant need of a fix? Are you a fixer? Do you believe that there is a way to repair or mend the brokeness you see in someones life? I can honestly say that it is important to evaluate how limited we are without the manual I call "The Bible".

First it reminds me that I am the one who needs Jesus to repair the world worn heart and mind inside of me. Then it offers me a remedy through His forgiveness of my sins. I rely on Jesus as my salvation. Only in Him am I new and whole again. Jesus is all I have to offer to others. His love ,His word, His truth. It is this life of a carpenter, a crafter, repairer, builder -inside me that restores.

Perhaps you are struggling with friends that are sucking the joy out of your life. There are those who want a fix ,but they don't want to do the work. It's O.K. to offer the extra nuts & bolts, the things and times that won't leave you depleted. Some times you need to identify some relationships as negative impacts on the other areas of your home family and personal life and set up boundries. Other times you MUST give them up completely to God to restore.

Like I said before, some jobs are for the experts! Jesus is an on call 24/7 , repairman. His knowledge of the human heart and mind are superior to all, His work is permanent and excellent.