Reflections on creating a monster

It all started a few years ago with the addition of a new deck on the back of our house. Our previous deck was postage-stamp size and shape, and sagging badly. It was time. We had the new wraparound deck built and it is a work of art. However, as frequently happens, one solution creates another problem.  The new deck shut off the light to one of my gardens.

First solution: hostas. Well, it turns out hostas don't much like cedar roots, and this area is right between two giant ones. Actually, pretty much nothing will grow there now except ivy.

Then while strolling through a local garden center, I saw the solution. If nothing grows there, why not a hardscape? In plain English, that means something that's not alive! And there was the perfect hardscape in front of me: a large fountain constructed of basalt columns. It would fill up the space nicely, create a water sound that would attract birds, and it didn't care about the dark environment.

I dragged my reticent but loving hubby to the center to figure out the engineering for me and extract the permission. How lucky I am that God gave me this man! His servant heart went to work on the problem-solving. We couldn't even bring the parts home without borrowing a vehicle! I'm giving birth to a monster. We began the construction until interrupted by a family crisis.

Fast-forward to spring 2012, two years later. Life has intervened and the fountain has patiently waited. Life has its seasons.

"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven -- A time to give birth, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted"-- and a time to build fountains...  Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (with a little embellishment!)

To finish, we must deconstruct what we started. Tear down, power-wash, re-engineer, rebuild.

Now a new plumbing plan emerges. An insight at the moment of need, like manna in the wilderness. Some refinements in the construction will make maintenance much easier. Finally, the dream realized!

What a picture of our Heavenly Father, who carefully deconstructs and reconstructs until we are working according to His specifications, His plan, His purpose. How great is His love for us!