Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Elder’s Corner: How Long Will You Last?

Twenty some years ago I built some shelves around the top of my machine shed.  I used 2 x 4's and bolted them to the metal trusses.  I needed extra storage for the kid's sports stuff (and I didn't want to take up floor space for it).  I started piling their bats, basketballs, batting cage net, etc. on the shelf.  Over the years I kept adding more stuff (metal rods, radial arm saw, trailer brakes, weed-eater, bed frame, scrap rags, hydraulic motors, etc.) A few years ago I noticed the shelf had started to sag. I added a brace post at the back.  Last month, I was working in the building when I heard a terrible crash.  You guessed it.  The shelf and all its contents came crashing down. 
That shelf reminded me that life can sometimes be like that. Maybe you have felt the weight increasing as added pressures like the loss of a job, a family member with a terminal illness, a problem at work, income shortfalls, divorce, getting older, family issues, health issues, loss of a close friend, or any other problems the world may heap on you. 
My observation is that the shelf held its load (problems) for many years until it finally gave way.  There is no doubt in my mind that if I had increased the number of support posts under it that it would have continued to be useful in carrying the load.  We need to look around and see who is suffering under the weight that life is placing on them and help support them.  When asked about the most important thing a person can do, (what is the great commandment?) Jesus summed it up this way: “LOVE GOD & LOVE OTHERS” Mt 22:36-39                  
Thanks for your support!                        

—Alan

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