By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.
Proverbs 24:3
In my neighbourhood there is a house being built from the ground up (as they usually are). Every few days I walk by and note the progress. Several weeks ago, when the work had just begun, I watched as the foundation was poured. There was freshly disturbed earth piled around the perimeter. Many construction workers were busy and there was a lot of activity and conversation on the site.
Last week it became quieter. There was still work being done — the frame was being built — but there were only two workers. They said good morning to me as they nailed boards together and wiped sweat from their brows.
I said, “You guys should go down for a swim on your break.”Millennium Park and the ponds are just a few blocks away.
“Ha-ha,” one said, “We might just do that.”
Yesterday, as I went by after my own morning swim, I could hear the hammers pounding as I approached the corner. The walls were up.
The scent of fresh lumber was in the air. Outlines of windows and door could be seen. The build was progressing nicely. But I could not see the workers; only their hammers could be heard from within the new walls. And then, a head appeared from one of the window frames and I heard, “Good morning! How’s the water today?”
Smiling, I replied and then continued on my way.
I wonder if, when the roof is on and all of the final touches are completed, the people that move in will be happy there. Would they know that the capable hands of wise and knowledgeable workers built their house? Will they know that these workers laughed and greeted passersby like me as they toiled? And, that for a short time as the house was being raised; these workers were a part of our neighbourhood and shared their wisdom in it?
Would they feel their home settling into the earth that had been moved so that their house could be a shelter for them? I believe that they will.
Their understanding will be built on a strong and established foundation of wisdom.