Scaffolding
In the last few weeks, the tower standing high above the sanctuary here at St. Paul has looked different. Because of a failing in the material of the fascia (the outside “skin” of the tower) we need to replace the exterior. This enormous project becomes even bigger because it’s so high up. Before they could even begin the project, the builders put up scaffolds — those well-constructed, temporary platforms on which they can sit and stand as they do their work. In addition to being secured by a harness, clipped into a hold by a strong and steady rope, a helmet on their head, the scaffolding gives the talented builders a strong and safe place to work.
The necessity of those scaffolds is obvious for construction, but they also teach us something about our lives of faith. There are seasons in our lives when we need a little extra support, require some platforms on which to sit, to rest. We can trust, of course, that the grace of God holds us – like those ropes and harness hold the builders on our roof. God will not let go of us. But when we have our own breaks and cracks, leaks and necessary repairs, we’re going to need some scaffolds.
Maybe I’m taking the metaphor too far – but isn’t it true that we all need some support? It might not be for always, but nobody can just hang out alone when the repairs are big, and we feel far from grounded. For some, the weight of grief is just too much to bear. We just need someone to listen, to bear witness to our complicated feelings, to help us carry it. Perhaps we’re trying to figure out what seems like an impossible problem, and another person can help us see another way through.
It’s not always easy to reach out when things are too hard to do alone, but we need each other. These are times for scaffolds, to find people who can be those platforms on which we can stop and rest, or with whom we can stand, steady, getting that hard thing done.
As people faith, we can be scaffolds for others. We can be a place of rest, of safety, of strengthening and encouragement. Surrounding people with prayer and support, we get to help rebuild the well-being and sturdiness of one another.
Our faith also invites us to receive help. There’s risk to it, of course, but our willingness to step onto the platform of another’s strength can fortify us. Putting ourselves into the compassion of another’s heart can wrap us up in warmth and connection.
Perhaps, when Jesus talks about his light and easy yoke, he not only invites us into his graciousness and peace, but also into the care of others. When life feels a bit treacherous and the work too hard, we can find a scaffold in God’s people. “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
