Dear Friends
Who would have expected Covid to strike the Rectory yet again, and right in the middle of the Army Cadet Summer Camp. I never managed to get away for the second week.
Well, I am fighting fit now and would have enjoyed a good break by the time you read this.
Before I went on leave I had the joy of taking down and rebuilding a small part of the Church wall at Creech. Being an expert in all things stone wall (I am not an expert in any way shape or form!), my experience and wisdom, taught me that it should only take two full days. My wife, disagreed! Given that I was still recovering from a particularly bad bout of covid, coupled with some strong advice from Mrs M, that I needed more time to complete the wall, I began a day early.
There is an awful lot of dirt, dust and rubbish in those walls! The wall I was to repair was about to fall down and really needed sorting out. I thought it would be a good idea to do it myself as it would save the church a good deal of money. I had no idea though, just what a skill it is! I think I did a fair job given my experience, or lack of it!
As tough as it was to build, I really did enjoy the process, and I have a new appreciation for the craftmanship of those who originally built the wall, however many years ago that might have been. I also feel privileged to be adding in a small way to the history of the church by doing so.
I did, however manage to speak to a few visitors and one kind soul came back and lent a hand … making the process easier and saving my back a little.
It has taken me 3 days to get the wall back to a stable state. I still must do the pointing and finish the Cock and Hen style at the top.
So what has my experience taught me?
It gave me a lot of time to reflect and pray and building walls can offer parallels in the Christian journey.
It takes a lot more pain, planning and thought to build a wall
than I had thought.
It takes a lot more sand and mortar, than I had thought.
It is very satisfying to stand back and see how far you have come.
It can be hard work, but God gives you people to help along the way .
Always listen to the wife!
Only Jesus can rebuild in three days!
With much love and all blessings,
Revd. Lee