A few years ago my wife and I went to Little Rock, Arkansas for a meeting. We left our kids in the care of a young lady who is like family. On our way home, we called to "check" on things. As we talked we realized they weren't at home, they were at Lowe's. Now understand, when our son Dawson and his friend Scott are at Lowe's things get interesting quick. Turns out they were purchasing supplies because they had decided to build a "fort" in our back yard. We gave "parental" words of caution, shook our heads and smiled, and headed home knowing it would be interesting.
When we arrived home I was anxious to see what was in the back yard. As I walked out the back door I saw 4 simple walls connected together, a swinging door to get in, and a tarp over the top for a roof. The "fort" was positioned in the center of our yard because of course no thought about spacing, position, or anything was considered. Just right in the middle would do! To make things even more interesting this turned out to be a "temporary" fort, and the permanent one would have to be finished the next day.
When we arrived home I was anxious to see what was in the back yard. As I walked out the back door I saw 4 simple walls connected together, a swinging door to get in, and a tarp over the top for a roof. The "fort" was positioned in the center of our yard because of course no thought about spacing, position, or anything was considered. Just right in the middle would do! To make things even more interesting this turned out to be a "temporary" fort, and the permanent one would have to be finished the next day.
So, the next day WE got to work! We picked a place, with Mom's help, that would be acceptable for the long term, and went back to Lowe's to get 2X4's, screws, nails,and supplies. I'm not a carpenter at all, so as we built the frame and put this thing together it was far from perfect, but it ended up being pretty sturdy. We put a tarp over the roof, eventually it had shingles, and the kids (myself included) slept out in the fort that night and many others.The boys added lights, shelves, a portable heater, TV, and many other items to the "Fort." We had so many great nights and memories in the "Fort" together! I have to be honest...It was AWESOME!
After a few years the "Fort" began to look pretty rough. The weather and elements had taken their toll. The front door came off, the window was broken, and the inside began to smell like mildew. The guys interests changed as they got older, and what was once "Awesome" and "Fun" was now an eyesore. My wife kept saying "we have to do something with it Steven," but I hated to get rid of it! It was a source of such great memories. It was a familiar part of our lives, and I kept thinking we could revitalize it or something. But sometimes the Familiar has to go, and the mighty "Fort" had to come down. Dawson and I tore it down piece by piece, and after we hauled off all the wood what was left was a small square of clean dirt. The old was gone, and it actually looked & even felt great! Now new life could grow where the "Fort" once stood.
There ARE things in life that are meant to last, and even grow stronger over time. Our faith, Our marriages, Our families, and Healthy relationships are designed by God to last no matter what they face. But there ARE issues, addictions, people, environments, memories, attitudes, and things that must be left and demolished so that new LIFE can come! The L in L.E.A.P. stands for "Leave the Familiar."
We can't continue living in experiences, moments, places, and unhealthy relationships that have mildewed over time. Just like my wife told me, "Steven we have to do something." That should be the anthem we all live by today. Be willing to make changes, adjustments, and "Leave the Familiar." "Forts" have to come down, and sometimes we need help to figure out what needs to go because we can't see it. That's why we have our faith, marriages, families, and healthy relationships that DO last. If we will listen, we can receive the wisdom we need to realize what needs to be left behind and where to make changes that will bring hope and healing, so we can experience new adventures that await us. Let's get out the sledge hammer and tear down the "Fort!" The new can't grow if we aren't willing to L.E.A.P. out, and "Leave the Familiar" behind!
II Corinthians 10:3-4 "though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."
II Corinthians 5:17 "If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; the old has gone."
There ARE things in life that are meant to last, and even grow stronger over time. Our faith, Our marriages, Our families, and Healthy relationships are designed by God to last no matter what they face. But there ARE issues, addictions, people, environments, memories, attitudes, and things that must be left and demolished so that new LIFE can come! The L in L.E.A.P. stands for "Leave the Familiar."
We can't continue living in experiences, moments, places, and unhealthy relationships that have mildewed over time. Just like my wife told me, "Steven we have to do something." That should be the anthem we all live by today. Be willing to make changes, adjustments, and "Leave the Familiar." "Forts" have to come down, and sometimes we need help to figure out what needs to go because we can't see it. That's why we have our faith, marriages, families, and healthy relationships that DO last. If we will listen, we can receive the wisdom we need to realize what needs to be left behind and where to make changes that will bring hope and healing, so we can experience new adventures that await us. Let's get out the sledge hammer and tear down the "Fort!" The new can't grow if we aren't willing to L.E.A.P. out, and "Leave the Familiar" behind!
II Corinthians 10:3-4 "though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."
II Corinthians 5:17 "If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; the old has gone."
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