Under construction

James 5:11 (ESV)

Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

Glenn Olds was born in Sherwood, Oregon, in 1921 and was a "magna cum laude" graduate of Williamette University in Salem, Oregon. He received his bachelor of divinity degree from Garrett Theological Seminary and his Master of Arts degree in philosophy from Northwestern University. In 1948 he received his Ph.D. from Yale University and was appointed a member of the DePauw University faculty. He is the former President of Kent State University.

Dr. Olds recalled the sight of Mt. Rushmore as he hitch-hiked cross-country in 1941 during his junior year at Garrett. From 10 miles back, he recognized Washington and Lincoln. But in the middle was a figure that looked like Adolf Hitler.

Once close, instead of hair combed over a forehead, the young man saw guy wires, instead of a moustache, he saw scaffolding. The image stuck, and he made a note in his journal. "What was Adolf Hitler at 10 miles away was Thomas Jefferson under construction," he said. The experience became a parable: "Almost every major problem at a distance looks bad. When you get up close, you can see it's something terribly important under construction."

We are all under construction, becoming more like Christ. Through the pain of this world, the Lord is constructing something beautiful of our lives.

Dear Lord, we praise You for any difficult circumstances we find ourselves in and thank You that we are under construction to become what You want us to be. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.