Setting A New Standard

I had a wild thought this morning as I went into a hardware store.

“When you set a new standard you have set something new.
All other things will be judged and gauged by this.
Are you ready for that?“

During the past few weeks, we’ve been working on an ongoing project. It’s my ongoing saga of building a place to store my tractor, implement, and tools. While at it, let’s add some space for the dogs to have a new “home.” We began several years ago, and have added on as opportunity availed itself. What we’ve learned is that there’s always a better way to do things that wia more straightforwardhis current phase an easier process.

• Prepare the ground for the new work – clearing out the debris, removing fences and greenery, and even digging out the rocks that are cropping up new every year.
• Take good measurements, and write them down as you go.
• Make sure the lumber is square, and not warped.
• The materials list and tools should be readied in advance so there are no surprises.
• Be open to a new path because you are sure to find a blockade along the way.
• Tools are tools to be used, even if they are not bound to survive the job.

Remember the mantra? Measure twice, cut once!

In the midst of this work, there’s been regular life to handle. Bills, phone calls, emails, church, maintenance items, and health issues by self and others.

Hand-in-glove with this thought, I prepared for a Wednesday night teaching session. Lo, and behold, I feel like the Lord set a new standard for us to follow as we move out of the pandemic. Our adult Sunday School is challenging us to set a new style of presentation. Our preached Word is updating our outlook as we move ahead.

We are setting new standards. Uh-oh! You can never back down, or step back from making everything we do equal to the new standard. I’m just saying. What are the new standards that guide you forward day by day?