One of my favorite television shows of the ‘80’s – ‘90’s was “Home Improvement.” From the “Tool Time” banter between Tim and Al to the eye-rolling exasperation of long-suffering wife Jill, the program had a very homey, relatable humor to it. It was easy to imagine that they were your real-life next-door neighbors. The Taylor’s next-door neighbor, Wilson, was Tim and Jill’s “Father Confessor”, the wise, sage one they could count on for perspective and advice. Tim especially was always humbled in realizing that he couldn’t solve everything and put everything back together again. He was forced to be honest with himself. Wilson told him what he needed to know, even though it usually wasn’t what he wanted to hear. The way in which “Home Improvement” resolved the situation in twenty-two minutes(!) has been the norm of all family sitcoms, all the way back to “Father Knows Best” and “Leave it to Beaver.”

Life is similar, even if it never seems to come to a tidy solution. In the struggles and trials growth can happen if we view ourselves with humility and acknowledge our need for fatherly or neighborly advice. Even if we don’t have a Ward or a Wilson around as a sounding board, it is more important and helpful to seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit, who always dwells within us. Jesus, our master and friend, is just as alive as he was 2,000 years ago. He is in the life improvement business! Think of it this way: Jesus is Wilson on the other side of the fence, guiding and befriending us. He knows deeply, feels deeply, for the human condition. We are sent and put into places and situations where God has already done the “prep work.” He has measured twice so we only have to cut once (borrowing a woodworking, home improvement axiom). Our gracious God’s fervent desire is for us to be whole and well in His praise. We can praise Him as we work the process of getting through the tough times. There will always be another episode, another story that will either dovetail into the next one or find a conclusion. Hurdles, roadblocks, cul-de-sacs, detours. Failed experiments, jangled nerves, impatient explosions. The Father provides, the Son saves, and the Holy Spirit comforts. Thanks be to God for His unconditional love.

Pastor Art