hardware

The other day, I had to fix April’s closet bi-fold door. It fell off and landed up against April. She wasn’t hurt, but it did scare her. The problem was the hole that holds the support bolt got too big after I cut the door off because of the carpet. The door was dragging.

I wasn’t sure how I was going to fix it. As I usually do, I prayed and asked God to help me. I needed an idea of what kind of hardware to use to hold the bolt in and still let it do its job.

I went to my garage’s hardware store. In the box, I keep miscellaneous nuts, bolts, odd parts, and leftover hardware from previous purchases. Maybe it’s a “guy” thing to say, “I can’t throw that away. I might need it someday.”

As I rummaged through the container, I saw a thin piece of metal that had a 90-degree angle in it and four holes. I looked at it and saw potential. I put it in the vice and applied a lot of pressure. I was able to change its shape and now was able to change its purpose. It worked! At least so far. The door has not come off again.

“Okay, Mark. You were resourceful, and you fixed April’s closet door. Big deal. What’s the point?” You might be thinking. While I was working on the door, I realized God does the same thing. He needs someone to go somewhere they have never been before and do his will. You may not have ever thought of doing that before. And others may say, “You can’t do that.” Or “You’re not qualified.” And the worst disbelief, “You weren’t made for that.”

God hears such comments and laughs. He sees potential. True, He may have to apply some pressure to get you to be the shape He needs you to be, in order to get you to fit and work out. God knows what your true purpose is, and He is waiting for you to take his hand, trust him, and get about advancing his kingdom.

Be willing to be used by God, however He needs you. Be available and okay with him shaping you so you can become even more powerful. Doing so may reveal your true purpose.

For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Phil. 2:13 (ESV)

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matt. 6:33 (ESV)

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. Ps. 138:8

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Rom. 12:2

No Aprils were seriously injured in the making of this post.

April works hard at a manufacturing facility. They build things that use extremely tiny parts, tiny screws, etc. Since I am retired, I willingly keep the house, including doing the laundry. If you wash the clothes in your household, you also know that you find things inside the washing machine from time to time.

The other day, I found a small screw. Actually, the one pictured here. At first, I was upset. This washing machine terrorist could easily get through one of the holes in the machine that the water drains through. Who knows what kind of damage that could cause? This is not the first time I have found one, either. I have asked April several times to check her pockets before putting things in the dirty clothes basket. Often, she doesn’t do this. Her favorite item to overlook is tissues. Yep, they make a mess!

So, while I was angry, thinking about how I would complain, chew her out, or make an issue out of it, I heard the Holy Spirit whisper, “Don’t say a word.” I think it is part of my Heaven Training Program to become a “quiet man.” (See the previous post but not right now. After you finish reading this one.) I know my high standard of perfection, and my unreachable expectations come from my parents. I know they meant well, as do I, but there is a way to point things out where people hear you but don’t feel bad. You know, like God does.

God loves us enough not to leave us the way we are.

God disciplines those He loves. (Prov. 3:12)

I want April to learn about life here in America. That simple mistakes can have expensive consequences. If I leave this world before her, I wouldn’t want her to suffer when a little carefulness can spare her hardship. I know God would help her, though, and bless her as she lives a life pleasing him and as she honors him. I think my parents had the same desire for me.

I’ve decided to keep the tiny screw and perhaps even put it in a case and display it where I can be reminded as often as needed till I learn to apply the message of that little sermon. Many people take notes while the minister is preaching, but how many reviews those notes afterward? I am thankful for the tiny sermon. I’m glad God still speaks in small ways. Now, if I could only get April to leave money in her pockets.