Rip Out and Replace

Is anything made to last anymore? I bought a yard swing several years ago. I got it rough and stained it after it arrived. And I suppose in all fairness that was a few years ago… and maybe I should have had it sitting on something like blocks or pavers… instead of the dirt. But I was still a little surprised when the swing started hitting the ground… and eventually wouldn’t swing anymore. Then I went to move it when mowing… and the undercarriage didn’t stay under it.

The swing appears to have been made of pine. And I guess I should have known that having pine logs setting directly on grass and dirt… might tend to shorten their life. So this last week I flipped it over and took a look at how it was put together… to see what I might be able to do.  Unfortunately, most of the undercarriage was beyond repair. But there was enough left to use as a pattern.

So last week while working in the yard… I started collecting parts from downed limbs… or pruned trees. I decided to make it a little bit taller to keep the actual swing up off the ground. But decided to use the same basic design. I had an inch and a half hole saw I could use to bore the mortise holes. And I used my hand ax and a rasp to shave tenons on the uprights and struts. Then with a little wood glue and some screws… I was ready to assemble. Wonder if it will all fit?

Then came the moment of truth… mating the swing to the new undercarriage. It all went reasonably well. I had actually checked to make sure it should fit before fully assembling the undercarriage. But things being assembled from tree branches… things were not exactly square. But I had shaved a few places to make sure there should be plenty of clearance. And after a bit… Ta Da!

I would not begin to claim perfection… but I was quite pleased with fit and function. It worked! I think a little cleaning, sanding and staining are still required. And it might be best to apply a lesson learned… and acquire a few blocks to set it on. But I was able to sit… swing… and watch the birds fly South that evening.

It is a shame that sometimes things fall apart in our lives. And while it is never easy to rip out what is rotten… and replace what was damaged… that sometimes becomes a necessity. Whether the problem is a noun… or a verb… or even an adjective… somethings must go. And it is best to carefully consider how to fill the gaps left behind. The Bible even provides related tips/proverbs (patching old cloth with new, pouring new wine in old skins, etc…). The things are not as hard to deal with. But when it is people causing the rot and holes in our lives… it can be awfully painful.

I pray this finds things in your life swinging clear. And if not… I pray God’s wisdom and care as you discern the root cause… and as you rip out and replace if needed. May the Holy Spirit shine a guiding light… that also provides healing rays… restoring and/or maintaining the warmth in your heart!