Repairing the Foundation

       Over the years, our dogs have dug holes along one edge of the concrete slab beneath their doghouses. These mini-caves make nice, cool places for dogs to lie in during the summer; however, they have weakened the slab, creating an overhang of several inches. Water seeping under the fence has caused big cracks in the concrete, especially along the side where the dirt has been excavated.

       After this last rain, the cement slab was covered with water and mud, soaking the carpets on which Teddy and TJ sleep. When I came outside one morning, TJ had taken shelter in his house; but Teddy, who likes to sleep out in the open, was curled up trying to fit onto the one remaining dry spot on his patio. Everything else was pretty drenched.

      I decided to hang the carpets out to dry on the chain link fence around the dog run, and stepped out on a piece of cracked concrete along the edge. My weight was too much for that part of the overhang. A big chunk slid off into a water-filled hole, carrying me along with it. I remained vertical, but ended up wet, muddy and surprised.

       Keeping the water out of that area has been challenging. I tried making a dam along the side of the fence with sticks, rocks and pieces of broken concrete from inside the dog run, but have had a hard time preventing it from flooding. Sandbags would probably work better.

       And how about the cracked foundation, which is falling apart bit by bit? The entire slab needs to be poured again, but maybe this time with a thicker layer of cement and with reinforcement. It is a visual reminder of the parable Jesus told about the wise and foolish builders, found in Matthew 7:24-27, and in Luke 6:47-49, quoted below: 

       “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” (NIV)

        The person who hears Jesus’ words and who lives by them is building his life upon a solid foundation. When trials, problems and disasters happen, he will stand firm. What a wonderful promise! On the other hand, the person who hears Jesus’ words, but who does not put them into practice is building his or her life upon a weak foundation, one which will not last when the floodwaters rise.       

        On what foundation are you building your life? Perhaps it is time to dig a little deeper, down to bedrock! It will pay off. Jesus promises!

 Help us, oh Lord. We all want to have lives that are worthwhile and meaningful. Help us to dig deep and to build upon the solid rock of Jesus Christ. In His name we pray, Amen

(published in the Porterville Recorder Feb. 15, 2014)