2:22 p.m. Today's project was to get started on repairing our 25 -year-old oak dining room table, which has developed a deep crack in the support for one of its huge claw-foot legs. When Steve, assisted by Pavel (Heidi's boyfriend), took out both expansion leaves and turned the table upside down Saturday night, poor Heidi was visibly shaken! "There's never NOT been a table in the dining room!" she cried out. And for a young lady who was four when we moved in 21 years ago, the dining room table is a symbol of family solidarity, a place for large and small meals, homework sessions with mom or dad, Bible studies several of us have led, Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, even the many political meetings I've hosted. The kitchen table is our daily center of life, but the dining room table made the kids feel just a bit more grownup and see themselves as full partakers in memorable occasions. Heidi has always done a great job of setting and decorating the table with both precision and flair as she's grown up. That's "Mommy's Little Hi"for you!
One problem Steve and I had was that the time to correct this problem is now, but neither of us knows a thing about wood! We called upon our son-in-law's dad, a talented worker in wood, and he came right over today. I'll post a picture of the lovely handmade tree topper he and his wife gave us for an early Christmas present.
In no time, our friend had figured out how to take the table apart with Steve's socket wrenches, and then disassemble the part that needs re-gluing. Isn't it nice to observe a true craftsman at work, really enjoying himself? We'll have the part back tomorrow, thanks to his expertise!
Speaking of craftsmen, Steve was able to find the leak under our kitchen sink and fix it today, saving us the untold grief and expense of a plumber call. Reminds me of all of his home and vehicle repairs over nearly 30 years--I have been a blessed wife! [Even though I've been known to jokingly grouse about never getting a new washing machine or dryer, I know when I've got it good!]
We are making decent progress decorating our house for Christmas, and I'm busy gathering my tableware for the Women's Ministry Christmas Dinner Friday. Heather and Nick are preparing for their annual Christmas party, and Heidi is in charge of her girlfriend Shea's bridal shower, both on the 12th. And most amazing of all, my 82 year-old dad has requested, and I've mailed, a recipe for an apple pie he wants to learn how to make with his eight extra apples !! Daddy has been cooking very healthfully for the past 15 years, so on to the new challenge of baking!
Whatever we do, we are to work and serve "as bondservants of Jesus Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing sevice to the Lord and not to men..." (Ephesians 6-7). I've been reading Ecclesiastes in the New Living Translation the last two weeks, and I particularly like what King Solomon says about diligent work and its rewards in Chapter 5. Verse 12 says, "People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much." Verses 19-20 say, "It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life--this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past."
Work and live unto the Lord, who has given us all things richly to enjoy!
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