Dear TSJ Friends,
Solomon is having a bit of fun this week. He almost took a day off from blogging with me. But 
Mr. John reminded him that he has had some fun this week trying on his hardhat. John playfully told him, It is a good thing to wear “different hats” from time to time just for the fun of it! And that his “peeps” would enjoy seeing it and learning why he was motivated to see what a workman’s hat felt like.
We are hoping that you have had some moments of fun this week too!
Many of you are on spring break time with your children. At the very least, we hope there is a degree of relief from some of life’s daily stressors. Perhaps you are getting a chance to see friends, read a book, travel, or sleep in later than usual. Little things can make a big difference in our lives.
So why a hardhat? Solomon wants me to tell you the story.
Well, I belong to a delightful book group and I had procrastinated on doing my reading until the last minute. I did not know it was a large book and I did not buy it until last week. As it turned out the book was over 500 pages about the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. Unfortunately, I had not read a David McCollough book before (as it turns out – to my loss) and he is known for excellent, detailed and lengthy books backed by scrupulous research.
Well, I started to feel pressure. How could I possibly get it read in time I whined?
So since it was about building a bridge that took many years by men who worked hard and at peril it made Solomon curious. John thought he would enjoy pretending he was one of the heroes that worked hard and often in danger as they carried out the Chief Engineer’s instructions.
“Chief Engineer?” Solomon asked.
“Yes, it was first designed by John Roebling who was highly intelligent and focused and a man of integrity and caution. Unfortunately, he died and his son, Washington Roebling took over as Chief Engineer.
“Is that kind of like our “Chief Shepherd?” Solomon queried.
“Not exactly” we told Solomon. But it is a human equivalent in this case.
Solomon thought that might be good for Ms. Margie to learn more about.
So as I opened up the book and groaned, Solomon wisely reminded me it will happen one page at a time and if I would just pace myself and exercise self discipline I could do it. Humph. Who wants to be told such wise words. So… although it is true I complained at first … muttering about a big book about building a bridge…and small print and lots of details…..and ….
I started to read and was immediately engrossed.
As it turned out, Solomon in his silly hard hat was right. I loved it page after page and even found myself reading parts of it aloud to John (who had read it years ago). To the delight of both John and Solomon my whining turned into amazement. It is captivating, thought provoking, informative and historical. And well written.
The book, The Great Bridge got read.
From it I developed a profound appreciation for the brilliance, dedication, honesty, loyalty and patience that was required by Washington Roebling (chief engineer) as he battled political issues, resistance to his ideas (based on the amount of money and complications it would involve) and the danger inherent in the work. There were many setbacks.
And illness was a major impediment to Washington. His beloved wife, Emily, was a woman of incredible strength, intelligence, grace and loyalty who helped make that bridge come into completion by being his hands and feet as she delivered his orders. Though she was appreciated and admired she has been under-appreciated to this day. And though he was often criticized and misunderstood he remained steady, even when ill, in being meticulous about every aspect of the project.
So, Solomon has reminded me that we have a Chief Shepherd that is as faithful to every detail of our lives and understands what we need to create lives that can leave beautiful legacies as the chief engineers – the Roeblings – left using their dedication and perseverance as one step at a time they oversaw the building of a magnificent bridge that people enjoy without knowing the cost.
So, let’s put on our metaphorical hardhats and brave the twists and turns and setbacks and successes we encounter on this shared journey of ours in life. And may we engage in our daily work in a way that seeks and honors the wisdom of God.