Lost In A Jumble

“We’re missing a bolt. No, wait, here it is.”
“Now there’s a plastic bag missing. No, wait, I found it.”
“This is going to take forever to assemble.”

These are comments from a recent Saturday when Alan worked on putting together a piece of furniture to go in the foyer.
About a week before that day, a delivery truck arrived at the house. I was super excited as the piece of furniture was just what we needed to complete the look of the entryway.

However, when the delivery man unloaded two flat boxes, brought them to the front door and asked, “Where do you want these, ma’am?”, I was surprised.

I thought the furniture would arrive assembled. Wrong assumption on my part.

The next few days, Alan opened the boxes and began unwrapping piece after piece of the doors, front and back of the furniture, and several drawers which had to be assembled. Numbered bags filled with nuts and bolts were spread across the kitchen counter. We tried to organize as best we could.
Alan said he would need something to put on the hardwood floor so his knees wouldn’t get hurt while working on this project. No problem. We have a work blanket for that. Next, Alan brought out screwdrivers of all sizes and shapes, the battery operated drill, a ruler, a flashlight, and lots of patience.

My dear husband worked on that project for seven hours. He took a few breaks to eat lunch and drink water to stay hydrated.
During the time he was working on this project, I tried to help whenever I could. He would ask me to hand him certain tools or to check the time. Sometimes a break for conversation was what he needed.

The morning became afternoon. I could hear Alan talking to himself. “What? Where does that go? That doesn’t look right.” Inquiring if he needed me to help, he answered with his usual sweet reply.

“Dear, I always need you, just not for this project.” He’s a sweetheart!

Afternoon turned into evening and he had completed building this beautiful entryway piece. I was so proud of him for sticking to the task at hand and not giving up.

I thanked Alan for his hard work and the time he took to make sure everything was assembled correctly. There were only a couple of bolts left over. Perhaps the company sent extras.

How easily it would have been to give up and feel like we were lost in a jumble of nuts and bolts and instructions. Yet, with patience and yes, prayer, the item was put together with no scratches, dents, or cuts and scrapes.

The furniture is assembled. Project completed. We enjoyed a few giggles during the process. I can picture God saying, “Look at those two. They’re laughing and learning.”

In life, there are times when situations may seem too hard to handle. We may feel lost in a jumble and aren’t sure what to do.
Friends, we have a Father who loves us and guides us along the way in every moment. All we have to do is go to Him in prayer and ask for His help. God loves His children.

Blessings,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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