TIMBERS TAKE SHAPE
(click here to view pictures)

The timbers take shape as each day Charles Howell and his crew lock beams together like enormous tinker toys. You can see from the close up photo that the beams are held in place by wood pegs. What you can't see is that these pegs are driven into holes that are bored just slightly out of alignment, on purpose.

It's called "draw boring" and it produces a much tighter joint than would be possible if the holes were perfectly matched. As each peg is pounded into place it flexes a little and draws the tenon into the mortise snug and tight. The peg doesn't bear the weight, but its relatively gentle pressure holds the stronger load-bearing faces of the joints together for the life of the building.

As Charles pointed out in the last High Calling, there is a parable in this ancient building technique. God often takes things that don't seem to line up and uses them to draw us closer to Him, forming a tight and lasting bond that can bear heavy burdens. I suspect our building is going to continue to teach us lessons about the work of the Holy Spirit, drawing us together, making us stronger than we could ever be alone.

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