Mending Fences

Sitting here in front of a blank screen I was thinking tonight's title should be "I Got Nothin'" That's the subject line my daughter and I joke about when I'm at a loss for a topic. But for some reason my fingers started typing on their own and now I have the title "Mending Fences."

Ok, I can go along with that. I don't believe we can ever get enough info or encouragement on this topic.

Cliff, our pastor, reminded us on Sunday that selfishness is at the root of basically all sin. I'm sure it's involved in any situation where we have fences to mend. If this makes you feel as bad as it does me, maybe it will help to remember that it's an affliction each and every one of us has to deal with. So it's an area that needs work - that's ok, as long as we recognize it and then WORK on it.

Relationships... Wow! "Relationships" can be described by just about any adjective you can come up with. Sometimes the complications involved in relationships can make us lose sight of what they mean to us and what should be most important. Sometimes we need to re-focus. Forgiveness might be a good place to start. It's a funny thing. Sometimes we need to ask for it. Other times we need to grant it. Perhaps the most difficult of all is to just plain offer it. This all sounds easier than it is. But life is short. Mend your fences.

So, I'll ask you...DO you have fences to mend? I know I have a few. I've got to remember, though, that small jobs quickly turn into big jobs if left too long. Ignore them and the damage can be irreparable.

I believe I have the tools needed for two of the jobs. They're in familiar territory and in areas I have some experience with. I'm fairly confident all will be well. Now it's just a matter of, (gulp) gettin' the job done.

One of the other jobs, however, I just don't have the experience for or the "know-how." The materials aren't user-friendly and they're aged. Probably not compatible with today's tools. I know this will be a DIY project; it's not something I can hire out, but I don't know where to find directions, tips on technique, best methods for professional results, etc. I can't even find one of those "...For Dummies" books.

Really, I don't even know if I can get through all the layers that have accumulated over the years. Lots of gloss and different paints to try and cover lack of proper care when it was most needed. What I do know is that winter is coming and this job can't wait through too many more winters without repair. If I wait too long, repair won't be an option and replacement will be impossible. Not even restoration pros could help then.

Well, I guess I better get to work. The jobs are piling up and one of them is a beaut! I need to get my fences mended before the winter chill sets in.

See you at the Depot?