Building a house

  

I sent a PDF copy of my 58-page journal of 1977-1985 to my children with this message.

Dear Family,

While going grocery shopping today, I passed a new house being built. I have watched it for the past few weeks and I noticed that despite teams of professional carpenters working on it, some sections of the exterior walls of the main floor are still missing.

It reminded me of when we were building our house on the acreage. I was not a professional carpenter, nor were my helpers, Judy and Lloyd. But we had the exterior walls framed in 4 days and the interior walls took another 4 days.

Again and again I sensed heavenly help. On a few occasions, friends from church helped us. And sometimes I was inspired to know how to do things I had never done before. Each time I needed information, the Lord placed someone in my path that could give me what I needed. The house was in some ways a miracle. 

My friend Norm Depeel knew that I was basically an office worker, not a tradesman. As a journeyman plumber, he came to see how I was doing. Other than suggesting that I move the main vent stack a short distance from where I had planned, he seemed impressed. He said "You will save yourself a little work by placing the vent stack in a direct line between the two toilets." I appreciated his helpful suggestion.

After 40 years, the house we built still looks good. Many newer homes are in much worse shape.

I kept a journal of the construction and other things I did during 1977-1986. It is not a very good journal, because it largely ignores what other members of the family were doing. But you might still find it interesting. I have attached it.

Love,
Dad

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The journal itself would not be shared with others, but the principle is that we should avoid delaying sharing family history with our family members. 

For some time now, I have been aware that I am getting old, and I wanted to share this little journal with my family, but I never seemed to find the right time to do it. It is interesting that passing a construction site provided the impetus I needed. 

Maybe this blog posting may serve the same purpose for you.