In Lynn Austin’s All Things New, the ravaging of the civil war destroys the foundations her characters hold dear. Rebuilding after hard times is often what makes us stronger. We have many foundations in our lives – the ultimate being our Lord. But we build other ones that we think will support us in our dreams.
Have you stepped back lately and examined your foundation?
- Foundation of a platform if you plan to be published someday.
- Foundation for financial security.
- Foundation for a long lasting marriage.
The list goes on and on.
But all our man-made foundations need care or they will weaken and lose the integrity they need to support the things we hold dear. We don’t need wars to destroy them, we can do that on our own. Here are 5 particular things that eat away at our foundations.
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Neglect. We take them for granted and forget to make sure the foundation is safe from damage from the elements. Out of sight, out of mind. But it should have routine maintenance.
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Under-use. Some things hold their integrity better when put to use – regular stressing can strengthen it. A foundation is meant to hold something up. If the building process is left unfinished, the foundation crumbles from lack of purpose.
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Improper installation. Yes, we all get excited about building things and don’t read the instructions. We use the wrong materials, measure incorrectly, or skip steps in the building process. The foundation will suffer when the rest of the structure is off kilter.
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Inadequate foundation for the foundation. Build it on soggy, soft, or rocky soil and you will have problems. Prepare the ground before you create your foundation.
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Doubt. A slab of concrete will not crumble because you doubt it will stand. But your internal foundations will if you aren’t solid on your vision. Stability is crucial to trusting our foundations. Where does your stability come from?
These reasons are of course meant to make you think. Ponder each one and apply it to your own building process. What is it that makes your foundation crumble? Are you solid in your vision?
Have you taken your foundation for granted for so long it feels shaky under your feet?
Leave a comment and give yourself a chance to win Lynn’s book…All Things New.
Now, with a stronger foundation…reach for a higher place.
Jan
Great post Jan! My foundation is in Christ. I can apply having a solid foundation in my eating. Eating right and making good healthy choices is a foundation I need. When it weakens or is not as solid my life weakens and I feel the repercussions of unhealthy choices. ☺️
Oh boy, Diane, so many of us can so relate! It’s the hardest temptation to overcome. Good for you for strengthening that foundation!