This week I gained new respect for our city employees. While I confess that I’ve sometimes complained about their expectations, it wasn’t until I saw three of them in action the other day that I realized how efficient and needed they are; it was a burst pipe spewing out gallons of water in our back alley that produced my change of heart. Here’s how it all happened.
Fairly early one morning, Hubby came in from the yard to tell me that there was water pouring out near the neighbour’s garden. He then called to report the news to her. She then called the city and that’s when it got interesting.
In order to have a literal ring-side seat, I grabbed a plastic lawn chair and set it in the shade of our garage. I watched, intrigued, as two men dragged out large electronic devices that beeped as they traced the pathway of the errant pipe. Next, they spray painted yellow circles on the pavement, tried beeping again and then added some blue circles to the collection. Once they located the break, a third man put the front end loader and bucket into action. Pavement was lifted and it was mere minutes until soggy, sandy ground revealed the exact location of the leak. Long story short, it took a total of three men, two trucks, one “digger” and a lot of patience. The result, though, is dry pavement and no more wasted water.
I was reminded of the “leaks” that too often appear in our lives. Even though we desire to live according to good and godly principles, we all fail at times. As we allow Him to cleanse us, the Holy Spirit, working through God’s word, can repair and restore.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
