I know how to get my pulse rate up. I can either shovel snow or I can listen to an answered prayer story. And not from 1974 or even 2006, but from yesterday. Or today.
There’s just something about the realization that the God of the universe leans down and listens to our prayer, then responds in ways we never thought of. I find that absolutely awesome.
Our roof was leaking. Only when it rained, but then it leaked. We began to see spots on the ceilings inside. It was obvious it needed to be replaced. We got hold of a roofer and made the arrangements. A couple of days later he called and said they’d like to do it on Friday. I had figured it would take a couple of days – he said, No, only one. I told him we were Sabbath keepers and Friday was a short day for us, so could they come the next week.
His response was that rain was predicted all the next week and he would be gone the week after that. This was the best time. The sun was setting about 5:30 here so I asked him if he could have it done by 4:30 – for sure. He was sure; we were nervous. So we pleaded for a roofing miracle.
The crew rolled in Friday morning before sun up. I expected six; there were eighteen. Before they started I got them together in the driveway and prayed. For their safety and for efficiency. They were working to a crucial deadline and we wanted them to know that.
By 9:30 they had tarped all the vegetation, the old roof was peeled off and in the huge trailer they had brought. After a short break, the real work began. First to get three tons of shingles up on the roof – 90 bundles at 70 pounds each. We were glad they brought a big crew.
They made chalk lines on the roof to make sure the rows of roofing would be straight. Starting at the bottom they worked toward the top. Special protection in the roof valleys, individual treatment on the dormers, precise trim on the edges. It was more complicated than I thought. And done with greater precision. This was obviously the A team…with the help, I think, of angels.
They were finished by 4:00, spent half an hour cleaning up, and by 4:30 they were driving out the driveway. The place was immaculate. The whole event was awesome. And my pulse rate was up.
The next day it rained. Hard.
By Don Jacobsen