For the past five years I have driven home from work by an old, weathered barn and its sagging roof.  Many times I have wondered how old that barn was; 50, 75 or even 100 years old. I would then let my mind wander and think of the many things that could have happened in that building over the years. I also found myself occasionally thinking, “I should buy that building, tear it down and use the property.” (It’s right on the lake.)

Two weeks ago, on my way to work, I noticed some construction people on the roof and thought, “Oh… they must be fixing the roof.” On my way home, I saw the work the men had done. They were not fixing the building… but dismantling it. 14 days have gone by, and little by little the men have been removing all the barn boards. They could have hired an excavator and had that building torn down and hauled away in one day. Why take all the effort?

Under that rough and weathered exterior was something worth saving. The wood was dry and useable. Those men saw something that I thought was useless. I was reminded of how I often look at the exterior of someone and think there’s not much there worth saving. The book of James reminds me not to judge people by their outward profile, but to look beyond and see the inside.

Let’s not judge a person by their cover until we take a peek inside.

I can’t believe I am saying this, but… I already miss that old building

Pastor Donald Calder