Building Towers
“a time to tear down and a time to build,” Ecclesiastes 3:3b (NIV)/ Pixabay
I’ve recently returned home after spending a few days with my grandsons. Oh, my heart is happy! We made a tent, read stories, played on the swings, and blew bubbles. Along with other little boy fun and games we also spent time together using blocks to build towers. Here’s what I’ve noticed over the years, we adults are very protective of our towers! While the wee ones like laying one block upon the other, their favorite part of building is actually the knocking down! And they are good at knocking down! I’m ashamed to say that there have been times that I’ve had to bite my tongue because I was about to whine (or even get a little angry) when they chose my tower to topple! Silly, right?
But aren’t we the very same way about building our towers in real life? I don’t know about you, I like to be the architect and contractor in one! In other words, I want control over my tower! We carefully stack our “blocks”: the job we have, where we live, who we marry, the goals we pursue, the people we spend time with and the tower gets higher and higher. We’re in command of it all. That is….until we’re not. The promotion we were counting on doesn’t come….a block wobbles. Someone we care about betrays us…..blocks fall. The phone rings and life is never the same…..the tower topples to the ground. We whine. We worry. We cry. We. Get. Mad.
Here’s what I’m learning: Our towers will always get knocked down.
“If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake,
you will save it.” Matthew 16:25 (NLT)
“You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” Proverbs 19:21
In other words, we need to stop trying to do the constructing ourselves and hand the job over to the true Creator, allowing Him to do the designing. When we build on the foundation that is Christ, our towers may teeter in the winds of life; circumstances may rearrange our blocks, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail. Our towers will not fall.
I’m going to be honest; it’s not easy for me! Just like I wanted to protect and keep the carefully made tower I built with my grandsons, I desire to control my everyday. Silly, right? Maybe you’ve been watching your own towers get knocked over, too. It’s time we put away the self-made architects’ plans, give up the contractor’s hats, and instead become laborers building a life under God’s direction. A life that when given up, is actually saved. It doesn’t get better built than that!
“For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”
1 Corinthians 3:9 (NIV)
Linking up again with the wonderful writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com and at http://www.anitaojeda.com
This is a very good way of describing of how we put our trust in the lord and what he has planned for us. And how we should know that somethings in life is beyond our control.
Oh, boy. This is spot on. I want to DO IT ALL. But that leaves no room for God.
Great look at the prompt – and lesson learned from sweet time with your grands:) Have to admit, I’ve been there….disappointed when my constructed tower was toppled by the little ones. Even have thought – what’s the use?? How silly! In play – and in real life! I need to remember this lesson.
I need to remember the lesson too Jennifer! I like my contractor’s hat for sure!!? Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m grateful you took the time to stop in.
“When we build on the foundation that is Christ, our towers may teeter in the winds of life; circumstances may rearrange our blocks, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail. Our towers will not fall.” He is the only foundation that will stand. I wrote in a similar vein. Blessings to you!
Gayl, I so appreciate you stopping in! I’m glad to know we wrote in a similar way! I need all the reinforcement I can get!
This made me smile. I have a grandson that is two years old and he loves having me play with him building blocks or legos–and then he knocks them down or takes them apart. It is a blessing to have time with the grand kids!
You are so right Carol! While I wish mine lived closer, I am so thankful they’re not across the country! Spending time with them is priceless! Thank you for taking time to comment!
Great words of wisdom. We can trust God with our lives, but we need to let Him have control…even over our towers.
Oh Pam, I wish I’d listen to that wisdom more often. My control freak comes out more than I’d like! Thank you for stopping by. It means a lot to me!
Precious words. Hit my heart I’m such a good way, I have had some towers fall in the past couple of years. Thank you for reminding me…us…that we are not The Architect.
I have to remind myself all the time Jenn! Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it!
“You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” Proverbs 19:21 Amen! It’s time we put away the self-made architects’ plans, give up the contractor’s hats, and instead become laborers building a life under God’s direction. A life that when given up, is actually saved. It doesn’t get better built than that! Amen and Amen!
Easier said than done but a much better build for sure! Thanks for taking your time to comment! I appreciate it!
I like knocking them down when we are done too! Arrested development? ha ha You’ve made a good point tho. Trust in the Lord, always.
You are a child at heart, LaVonne! Yes, trust in the Lord….a lesson I’m learning!