Trials

We moved house recently. Our new home will require quite a few alterations to make it as we want. Fortunately, I enjoy DIY; it gives me an excuse to buy more tools and to lay them out neatly in the new shed we’ve acquired. I feel like a boy with a new toy!

To me DIY is a creative process. It’s about encountering unforeseen problems and finding solutions. Sometimes it is a collaborative process and sometimes it is something I like to do alone, mulling things over.

My recent ventures into DIY have taught me a thing or two. One particular issue I’ve noticed has been the way I under-estimate how long things will take. I’m inclined to say, “That’ll only take a couple of hours”, when days later my wife will remind me that it’s still not finished. I don’t know what the unrealistic time scale is about, perhaps it’s just over enthusiasm. I don’t allow for those unforeseen problems!

If I enjoy the problems, as I claim, I don’t always show it. Anyone observing me will quickly know when I’ve encountered one. I use a different language and the volume rises. Words are shot from my mouth like bullets!

I also have a problem with the tools. I waste time looking for them. Usually it’s because I haven’t put them back in the correct place. I was in too much of a hurry and thought I’d do it later and then didn’t!

However, it is true, I do enjoy DIY. It gives me a complete change from my day job and I enjoy using my hands. When the end result is good, and problems overcome, I can feel a real sense of satisfaction.

One of my favourite books in the Bible is the epistle of James. He is so down to earth and offers such good advice. Right at the start, in fact in just the second verse, James says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance”. I wonder, do you think James liked DIY?