May 20th, 2020: Being Level Headed
We built a lower deck 30 years ago and it was a good one. However, after this winter our beloved deck that was extensively enjoyed by our kids and their friends started showing signs of aging. We decided to rebuild it with the same original design because it was a proven one.
One of the most important aspects of building a deck is to make sure that it is level.
Structures are safer when they are level. It won't bend or crack in the wrong way. It will tolerate the stress of use and stress of the harsh climate we have better. We just have to pay attention to the needed details to be sure that it is level. It is a job that cannot be rushed.
Structures also look a lot better and pleasing to the eyes when they are level. Have you ever seen a non-level deck by a house? Something bad is about to happen and we need to call the Fire Department. It makes the whole property looks unkept.
The same thing can be said about us and interaction with one another and with life in general. The word we use is being "level-headed". A level-headed person is composed, calm, balanced, and reasonable. We usually make other people feel safe during a crisis and settled when life is a challenge. We pose no threat to another person. We tend to be the voice of reasons. To have such a mind requires discipline and commitments. Patience and self-control are the foundation of such an approach toward life and relationships. In the end, it does reveal the beauty of God.
(Proverbs 16:32)
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.
