The old shed, revisited

Who would have thought tearing down an old structure would be more complicated than setting up a new one?  I knew I had to empty out the old shed before the boys could tear it down.  And then I realized I needed their help with even that first step.  So, when the boys arrived, the conversation went like this:

The boys:  Before we start, we should empty out the new one first and then the old one.

Me:  Great idea, guys!  Let`s do it and then tear down the old one.

The boys: You`ll need to separate what you want to keep and what you want to throw away.

Me: Great, I can do that!

The boys: Wait!  We should put up some shelving in the new shed.

Me:  Yes, I have some shelving ready-to-go.  I just didn`t have the time to get it done.

The boys:  Great, we can do that!

So, day one was spent emptying, creating and filling.  Day two was spent dismantling.  Had not the young lads come to help, I would have struggled all by myself; creating chaos but not order; getting rid of the old but not quite prepared to replace it with the new.

Old habits are like that, too.  And for me, there is one that over-arcs them all:  I`d like to pray more.  I need to pray more.

          Well then, just stop doing some things and replace that with prayer.                                         

       Wait!  I`m drawn to the computer- have to check emails and facebook and the news and...

          Put the computer in a different room.

        I can`t put it too far because I will need it very soon.

         Put it somewhere else, then.

      Well, if I put it elsewhere, maybe the cat will get at it and knock it over and damage it and...

So I argue with myself, and I tend to lose the argument.

I needed those lads on that day, and a subsequent day; and we`re still not done dismantling the old shed.  Their help was invaluable, and I see that I will always need others to help me uproot old habits and plant new ones.  Most of the important things in life require planning, and changing our sinful habits to ones that are God-honouring, are worth the effort.

Don`t lose heart.  Old habits may die hard but news ones are germinating just below the surface, and by the grace of God, He will lead us in His wisdom- most often through the help of other believers. 

I need to find a new place to put my computer, so it doesn`t catch my eye' upon entering the living room.  Maybe I`ll start by putting an old blanket over it- out of sight, out of mind.

The old shed is torn down, the new one is organized and I can actually access the things I need.  We found a few treasures in the old shed - some jugs and hasps and a lovely old picture frame.  Is not that the way our God works?  He makes all things new, even as He provides a way to get rid of the old.

"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

(Ephesians 4:22-24)