Most of us like a project of some kind so long as it is not overwhelming. Somehow it is more satisfying than a routine chore like hoovering or washing the dishes. Ideally, a project needs a plan with a timeline, the right tools and materials. With the vision for it taking shape, there is a sense of purpose and pending fulfilment. There are bound to be distractions and probably some difficulties to overcome. Priorities may need rearranging but when the focus is clear, single-mindedness will see it through. In the Eighteenth Century, Lancelot Brown was a landscape gardener much in demand. His projects were on a grand scale as can be seen at Hampton Court and Blenheim Palace but there were over 170 others he completed. He was nicknamed ‘Capability’ because he would tell his clients that their property had ‘capability’ for improvement (and to give him income!). Sometimes the project will turn out different to what was expected and the main value will have been in the process rather than the finished product.
- ‘Every project has challenges, and every project has its rewards’ – Stephen Schwartz
- ‘You will learn more from your failures than your successes – so embrace those mistakes, as difficult as that sounds, and grow from them. When a project is successful, you’re never really sure why, because so many elements come into play. However, when you fail, you always know why. That is how you learn and grow’ – Lynda Resnick
- ‘Every project is an opportunity to learn, to figure out problems and challenges, to invent and reinvent’ – David Rockwell
- ‘So everything turned out fine, and we were given the opportunity to go to Washington and be briefed on the project of man in space, and given the opportunity to choose whether we wanted to get involved or not’ – Alan Shepard
There are some projects that are best left alone as they are for someone else rather than you. Few people have what it takes to become an astronaut so it’s wise to leave that challenge to them. In 1961 Alan Shepard became the second person to travel into space. Ten years later, he became the fifth and oldest person to walk on the Moon at the age of 47. He was not cut out to be a concert pianist, a choreographer or a bricklayer – those projects belong to others. Nehemiah was a very determined leader with a project calling to rebuild ruined walls despite much opposition. He inspired others to follow him, to share in his project, to risk their lives, to give financially and complete the wall protecting Jerusalem from invaders. The Bible is full of people who had projects – Noah built his ark, Bezalel was a skilled craftsman who built the tabernacle, Esther and Deborah were raised up to save the nation, the prophets and apostles were called to proclaim God’s word despite opposition. Jesus told a story to illustrate the need to consider carefully before undertaking a project:
- ‘Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, “This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.” Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples’ – Luke 14:28-33
Jesus calls us to follow him but it is not a thing to undertake lightly or glibly. Just as he gave up everything for us to find life, he expects us to give ourselves completely to following him and not just play at it on Sundays. Jesus even described this as like taking up our own cross to follow him – serious words. When Nehemiah was opposed by Sanballat, he declared he was about a mighty work and would not be distracted for he was thoroughly committed. There are places even today where to be a follower of Christ can lead to persecution, loss of possessions and even death for there is much opposition to the great mission of Jesus to save us.
- ‘For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost’ – Luke 19:10
- ‘I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overcome it’ – Matthew 16:18
- ‘For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do’ – Ephesians 2:10
- ‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age’ – Matthew 28:20
In Ecclesiastes, Solomon tried to find purpose through undertaking many ambitious building projects. He found that these were all meaningless. As Jesus later said, treasures on earth will spoil through rust and decay but the treasures of heaven given to those who follow him last for ever. Solomon’s conclusion was that real value lies in connecting with God rather than seeking meaning through projects: ‘Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”’ (Ecclesiastes 12:1). Let’s enjoy our work and home projects but focus on what is of lasting value – both have their place.
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