There’s now a small pile of sawdust in the barn.
Perhaps Hershey sensed that something was going to be different around here. Or maybe he was just bored. We’ll never know for sure why he pushed through the old gate next to the barn. The gate that was (notice the past tense) held together with rusty nails and boards with evidence of termites who traveled through them. And now the gate was no more. So I gathered some boards from the barn, got out the measuring tape, and figured this was a do-able project ~ if I had the physical strength to handle a circular saw and power drill. I called a friend from church, Don, who at 80 years young, made easy work of cutting the boards and securing them with screws. But I found that I really liked the smell of the cut wood, the figuring out how it would fit together, and the watching of the gate take shape. Someday I might like to do more of this, on my own. The next day, another friend, this time the neighbor across the street, fixed the gate to the hinges, and the gate was complete.
It did not escape my attention, as I saw the sawdust on the dirt floor, that a carpenter has now been in the barn, just as the season of Advent begins…
Leaning into Advent with anticipation, Cathleen
Its so nice to hear about friends helping friends and that you now have a new gate. I too love the smell of wood. How perfect for your sweet Hershey to have caused the visit of a carpenter to your Advent barn! God even works through His precious animals
The Barn’s twinkle lights are absolutely beautiful and mystical.
Peace and Hugs,
Bette.
My thanks to Hershey for forcing repair. Animals are special in many ways. I, too, love the smell of wood. You are in the company of wood workers -a admirable gene to have.
Handsome gate with thanks to the 80 young fellow.
pj
Oh, Cathleen! I echo Bette’s photo sentiments –it’s grand!!! I’m just back from an advent retreat that Richard and I led at Prairiewoods in Cedar Rapids. Our eyes and ears are filled with the mysteries of advent. Just like your barn.
Trish
A gate also feels like a very significant image for this season, what is just beyond the gate in your life? Or mine? Blessings, Christine
My Dear Ones, who knew that a broken gate would lead to this? As Don and I worked on the gate, I thought often of Grandpa A and his marvelous gift of carpentry, remembering the fine pieces he crafted. And after I put in the photo, I too wondered what lies beyond the gate…another metaphor and mystery for this season. Trish, I’m guessing you brought home some marvelous experiences – how blessed the participants were!
Love to each of you, Cathleen