I was listening to a podcast earlier this week called “5 more minutes.” As in “It will be 5 more minutes, honey,” or “I am caught in traffic… just 5 more minutes.” The host, Levi Lusko, shared this story about Ruth Bell Graham, wife of Billy Graham:
Long before she became bedridden, she was driving along a highway through a construction site. Carefully following the detours and mile-by-mile cautionary signs, she came to the last one that said, “End of Construction. Thank you for your patience.” She arrived home, chuckling and telling the family about the posting. “When I die,” she said, “I want that engraved on my stone.” She was lighthearted, but serious about her request. She even wrote it out so that we wouldn’t forget. While we found the humor enlightening, we appreciated the truth she conveyed through those few words. Every human being is under construction from conception to death. Each life is made up of mistakes and learning, waiting and growing, practicing patience and being persistent. At the end of construction – death – we have completed the process.
I absolutely love this truth. I love her bravado in actually putting this on her head stone and am sure I would have loved her spirit. Anyone who has lived quite a few decades knows deeply this reality.
As our family continues to push through these long days, this message helped me to navigate how my mom would have not only gotten a good laugh out of this, but she would adamantly tell you how true it is. Construction of any kind requires patience, planning, inspection, modification often and the need for ongoing maintenance. She was on this “building” trajectory until she became ill… She was becoming more beautiful with each day and season.
We have been working on updating the Chicken House on my friend’s hobby farm this weekend. Every step of the way, the symbolism in this message has shined through. One insight today is that stopping to appreciate these steps –– even the “yikes” moments such as nails flying or a missed hammer strike –– can really transport you to the value of work in creating a strong and beautiful foundation for which you build your life on.
***By the way, getting outside is so important right now! The fall weather is perfect, whether you are getting your hands dirty or just soaking up the afternoon sunshine and being mesmerized by the leaves falling, it is all a balm for the soul.
Have a crazy amazing week and know that your comments and support and prayers have all stopped me in my tracks and literally carried me through this week. My love overflows.
Love you so much