Under Construction

No, I'm not closing or moving my blog. But it, like many facets of life, is constantly changing, growing, and maturing. We tend to view these changes in stages, but often the motion never stops.

The first 8 weeks of this semester I was afforded the opportunity to grow in many ways. Particularly in learning the founding principles of aviation maintenance including aircraft drawings, tools, hardware, metal characteristics, fluid lines, corrosion control, metal inspection, airport ground operations, aircraft weight and balance, and FAA regulations for mechanics. While I at least have an aviation background, some of my classmates have never even flown before. Needless to say, there was a lot of learning going on. The forebode half-semester-long project called the turnbuckle tool made many wonder if we would pass.

After making an aluminum template (I remember when I thought that was hard!) we hack sawed aluminum bar stock to have enough material to make two of what's pictured above (the second is on the other end of the cable). We then proceeded to saw and file and cut and file and drill and file. We swaged the fork fitting to aircraft control cable and then proceeded to file some more. It was a long process and there were a TON of aluminum shavings (I don't think my pinky will ever look the same). Drill holes, thread them, and then the sanding. By the time I was done with it you couldn't see any of the scratches in the picture above. I was second to last of my classmates to finish and my instructor says, "are you ready to gold plate it yet?" I graciously declined. But at least now if I ever find myself needing repairs on a jungle airstrip I can fabricate a turnbuckle tool from bamboo and swage it with coconuts! All I need is a drill, oh yeah, and a file. Just like this aircraft part, my classes progressed slowly yet steadily. First from learning how to write my ABC's and draw (not kidding) but eventually ending in fabricating a finely polished part. This is to say I earned all A's in my first 8 weeks (11 credits) of classes in the Aircraft Maintenance Technology program. Now on to 12 more credits of Electricity, Aviation Math, Physics, and Aircraft Structures.

Suddenly, I'm thrown back to square one. A new set of classes and electricity isn't something in which I have a strong background. But really, changing classes doesn't mean I've stopped growing. Sure it's a new stage, new material, but progress is still made in these moments where I feel like I've hit a brick wall. Many of us feel bound to the similar "Rollercoaster Christianity." Mission trips, summer camps, and retreats make us feel like Moses's, David's, and Paul's. Then a few weeks later we're Judas's, Herod's, and Saul's. There were times when filing down that aluminum block felt like watching a pot try to boil. The times I didn't see any progress  were the times I felt the most sore. Yet it's in these times of greatest spiritual difficulty we most need to press on.

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

~Romans 5:3-4

God granted Nehemiah the cry of his heart to rebuild Jerusalem, but he began with no more than rubble. But what an exciting time that is! Any new convert, though, can tell you it doesn't take long for life's pressures to cast shadows over a celebration. In fact, Nehemiah endured extreme ridicule, "What they are building--if even a fox climbed up on it, he would break down their wall of stones!" (Nehemiah 4:3). They finished half the wall when plots spread of Jerusalem's enemies attacking to stop the construction. Half the men were put to guard duty and the rest worked with one hand while holding a weapon in the other! Talking about inefficiency. But the point is, they kept working.

Nehemiah's Prayer: "Now strengthen my hands."

After 52 days of ridicule, threat, and intimidation, they finally finished the wall (my turnbuckle tool didn't take that long). Sometimes our spiritual walk seems to find a low point, a stand-still, a virtual doldrum. Don't deny God's invisible hand in these moments gently helping you along. There were several days I thought I would never finish my turnbuckle tool, but it ended up a polished gem. Remember, our spiritual journey is a race, not a rollercoaster. The key is to Keep Moving Forward.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

~Hebrews 12:1

Under Construction implies the process is continuing. We learn, we grow, some times faster than others, but mercy abounds.

If your Faith is UNDER CONSTRUCTION, let it be just that.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

~James 1:2-4