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Small Problem ... Big Damage

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By Kurt Johnston
8/23/2007

A few days ago, one of the facilities guys at our church noticed some water dripping through the ceiling of the lower floor. He went upstairs to try to find the source and discovered a very innocent looking leak coming from one of our drinking water dispensers (the kind that is hooked up to the water source). Unfortunately, it turned out that this small problem had done some big damage

Numerous people have moved out of their offices so the drop ceiling could be pulled out, fans are spread throughout the building trying to dry out carpet, there's even futuristic looking device with dozens of hoses blowing air through holes cut into the wall to try to dry walls out before they become moldy.

Apparently the leak had been dripping water for several days and the water had ran all through the space between the first and second floors and was beginning to drip through in several places.

As I type this newsletter, the damage caused by this small problem is showing up all over the place. Numerous people have moved out of their offices so the drop ceiling could be pulled out, fans are spread throughout the building trying to dry out carpet, there's even futuristic looking device with dozens of hoses blowing air through holes cut into the wall to try to dry walls out before they become moldy.

Small problems, when left unattended, can often cause big damage! Men and women failing to keep their wedding vows big damage almost certainly caused by a small problem left unattended. Youth workers asked to step down for moral failures big damage almost certainly caused by a small problem left unattended. Sadly, I could go on and on.

I spent some time today asking God to point out any small problems that I have left unattended.

Search me, O God, and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24).

I sure wish I could say that God's test came back 'negative'. The truth is lots of embarrassing, ugly stuff came to my attention. Stuff that really seems kind of small right now a little leak or two in my character. As I write this, I hear the hum of blowers and smell a faint aroma of mildew and I'm reminded that a small problem left unattended can do big damage.

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Thank you so much. i have recently taken on the position of youth events coordinator for our confirmation youth. A large part of me has been harboring a sense of absolute fear that the kids might 'figure out I'm not perfect'. After reading this I finally realize that God is there for me to help me realize and work on my imperfections, while I move forward and help to spread his word. I'm human, God loves me that way, and God is there for me when I am able to realize my imperfections and work on them - through him! TaDah!!!!

Tina Antony 7:01:07pm on 1/20/2009

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