U-Haul Jenga

I thought the truck was plenty big. I hadn't even planned on needing one, but as we introduced a washer, dryer and couch into the mix it was clear that an SUV wouldn't work, so I snagged a small U-Haul for the day. After loading the washer and dryer a mattress and a few other items, I wished I got the bigger truck. But heck, I saved $12/day so .......

Then came Costco. Like Texas, everything is bigger at Costco. I never imagined a couch and a bed could come in so many huge boxes and be so heavy. Three flat bed carts and 4 super kind staff members later, the group of us stood dumbfounded on how we were going to fit it all into the truck. Ever confident, I said "no problem" and we got to work.

In typical fashion with any seemingly impossible task, there we three of us going at it, trying all kinds of different ways and three others looking on in doubt, shaking their heads and even laughing a little. Finally, with a twist, a shuffle, a turn and no giving up, we did it! I high-fived the boys, threw a little eyebrow raise and a smirk at the naysayers and drove off in victory.

"They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination." (Nehemiah 6:9) 

It's always too soon to quit! When Nehemiah was rebuilding the wall in the face of great distraction, mocking and threats, he shut them out and doubled down on the work in front of him. That's how things get done. Grit. Determination. Perseverance.

We face tough challenges every day in business and family. Things that seem unlikely, overwhelming and somewhat impossible. But with God, great effort and teamwork, everything is possible. Our pastor reminds us that if the tomb is empty, anything is possible.

What mountain are you facing today? What voices are telling you to give up? Are the voices in your head and one in your heart contradicting each other? Ignore the naysayers, put your hand to the plow and keep going. Surround yourself with teammates that believe in the mission, try new ways of thinking and don't quit until the job is done.

Nehemiah finished the wall in record time despite the obstacles. He did it by surrounding himself with the right team doing the right work and having faith that God called him into the job and would walk with him to see it through. The same will be true for you. Being the hardest working person in the room means you don’t quit. Even if playing a confusing game of U-Haul Jenga.