Shake Out the Debris

The entire experience was a lesson in process. First, the forms needed to be prepped-- cleaned of dust and debris from prior use and oiled with diesel fuel to allow for easy removal later. Sand needed sifting, rocks shoveled in buckets, and the right mix of cement, sifted sand, rock, and water dumped into the mixer. That mix would then be poured into a wheelbarrow and shoveled carefully into the prepared forms. Those forms rolled over an assembly of rollers that shook the forms, allowing the concrete to settle. Then manually scrape the excess cement to leave a smooth finish on top and stack neatly in the sun to dry, being careful to lay them so precisely that they could be stacked on top of each other without compromising the wet concrete in the pavers below.

Each step impacted the next person in line. Equally important was keeping the process moving, as we had a certain number of pavers to make and a certain amount of time to do it. Timing was key, or there would be dead time with teammates standing around just waiting. We got in a good groove and cranked all afternoon in the hot sun.

The process and timing were critical if our work was to be effective. The team was awesome. Everyone just jumped in and performed the task given to them, rotating as needed to keep things moving. This is true of our work and of our relationships.

"...leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God." (Matthew 5:24)

The Bible says that if you come to the altar to leave your sacrifice and realize you have strife with another person, to go clean that up first and then come back. Relational peace is more important than ritual worship. Before you pour concrete into the form, try to remove as much debris as possible. He doesn't want us to crumble under pressure by just checking the boxes of our faith. He wants strong, well-cared-for bricks to build His church with. They have to be formed and fit together with purpose and shaken and cured enough over time to be pure and strong. That is our hearts.

Forgiveness is a curing agent of incredible strength.  

The more animosity we have in our hearts, the less room there is for Jesus. Clean out the bad stuff to make room for the good stuff.

The process is important when it comes to making pavers, operating your team, and strengthening relationships with people and with God. And the process can't stop. It can be improved upon over time, but it doesn't end. Clean forms make better bricks. Shake out the debris every now and then and make more room for Jesus. Let him form you into a brick that fits so well with others that you are stronger when laid together. It's a process. Let it work.