Thom and his crew are very religious. They don't talk about their faith, but you know. Most high holy people I've met don't talk about it, they live it. And, they emanate such goodness, that Pat and I act better than we are when we are around them. The most recent evidence of this is that Pat managed to get the entire kitchen assembled in their presence and not a single F-bomb was dropped; no mean feat for a sailor. (He's also very aware that his work is not up to their standards.)
This crew believes in Good Works, and in good work, as C.S. Lewis explains in one of his many books. Mr. Lewis tells us if we're going to do anything, whether it be our own job or for charity, do the best we can do. I know we are paying for Thom and the Brians' skill and hard work, but they are doing their best work possible because they cannot do less, and we are the beneficiaries.
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Faith discussions take place all over the world in many workplaces. U2 played Raleigh last fall. I read in the N&O that Bono claimed they were really pretty boring guys. They mainly just sat around every morning and read their Bibles
Our rector retired last week and we want to have a house blessing. Fortuitously, Not So Young Brian, is also a minister. He has told us he would "be honored" to bless this house he has built.
When I saw the verse on the framing, I was tickled. We will be living in a home with little blessings inscribed in the walls.
Here's a perfect example of their good work, this mitered edge joining the plywood walls at the corner is sharp enough to cut paper. 
For lazy readers...
ReplyDeleteRomans 3;23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
So...being imperfect, our good works can't earn us anything with an infinite, perfect God, hence the need for faith in the resurrection of Christ, which is a free gift. But why is good work being done on this house? Let me skip ahead a bit more....
Romans 12:1&2 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Read the whole book...it fills in the details, while these are the summary statements, of sorts. It's only 20 pages or so.
The "good works" are done not to earn favor with God, but as our logical response to Him for the free gift of His sacrifice. A quality house is being built, I suspect, because the builder is not working for the human employers, but in gratitude for what he has already received from God, but it would be best to ask him, as I only know him through this blog and the pics.
Your right on target, Anonymous. I put the verses on the frame as a reminder to myself of the wonderful gift of grace I have received - to be forgiven and loved by God through Christ. None of us deserve such grace and love, and I'm so glad to be treated with such undeserved kindness. I enjoyed working on the Boyd home and it's a pleasure to work with such kind and gracious people. Working with Thom Southern and Brian (the "young Brian") Ogle was also a pleasure.... they are top notch builders and men of character!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with our "not-so-young" Brian. They were all of them among the best, most gracious people we've had the pleasure of working with.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I agree with Anonymous regarding the work.
Thank you both for commenting.