Foundations

Dad always said he loved the smell that accompanied dirt being rearranged by the bulldozers that roamed the lots where he built his houses. I can remember him standing there at the edge of a piece of land, where the street ended and the trees began, with a far away look in his eye. This aroma triggered a creative 'saliva' that would send him on a journey to build something. I have never known another individual that had such a drive to build something. He was never happy unless he was creating/building.
While visible progress was desired, it was not the main focus. This seems a little weird to me. While working on these projects with Dad (oh yeah, I was working on them from the time I could manhandle a broom!), I liked the days when the frame was erected, and huge progress was noticeable from the street. I was bored to tears by tractors. I was bored to tears watching Mr. Max, the concrete contractor, dig beams (I think that is what he called them) in the forms for the foundation. I was ready for these guys to get out of the way so that the REAL work could begin, and we could, as they called it, "Make a showing."
Dad 'got it.' He got excited about those initial, boring afternoons. I couldn't care less about tractors, Mr. Max and his shovel, concrete trucks, or exterminators. (I liked nail guns, and similar power operated tools) Why did he enjoy this part so much? I understand now. He spent a lot of money and time during this stage of the project, because he understood the value of a good foundation. He wanted all of the other contractors' work to be the icing on the cake. He wanted it to be level and sturdy.
Dad- "Max, make sure you build those forms 'squarr' (square)."
Max- "Yes sir, Rev. They'll be squarr. Don't they need you at the church right now? Or anywhere other than here, peering over my shoulder?"
Matthew 7
²⁴Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

²⁵And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

²⁶And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

²⁷And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

The only distinction made in Scripture between the wise man and foolish man is the type of foundation that was constructed. Both built houses! No one ever accused the foolish man of failing to build a house! The success of ministries, churches, families, and organizations is not measured by how quickly buildings are constructed, but by how they endure the storm.

The foundation is the stability of the home. How's yours? The foundation is the stability of the heart. How's yours? The foundation is the stability of the emotions. How's yours? Most individuals could trace the turmoil in their lives back to a lack of order and stability.

There is nothing cool about a foundation. No one slams on their brakes while texting and driving, to pull over and stare at an 'awesome' slab of concrete! However, 50 years from now, when great grandchildren gather at this house, huddle around the kitchen table and cheat at checkers, they should thank folks like Dad and Mr. Max for slowing down and construction a proper foundation.

Psalm 127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

At the beginning of this new year, take some time to verify that God is building with you, and that you are doing life upon the right foundation.