Some Assembly Required
There are a few different ways to put my new IKEA closet system together, the one that Tiffani helped us build during our video consult a month ago. We could’ve paid them to come assemble and install it. We could hire someone handy with such things to come do it for us. We could do it ourselves.
I chose the latter.
There are stacks of boxes out in my shop. The shipping manifest tells me that they weigh over 2000 pounds. It is roughly 250 feet from my shop to the bedroom closet where the project will commence this Saturday. If I carry 50 pounds of clunky material from the shop to the house, winding through and around furniture, hallways, doors and such, I will make 40 trips to the shop and back. Yep – that’s what I chose – to carry a ton of stuff through my home, covering just shy of half-a-mile, hoping I don’t damage anything along the way.
I chose the latter.
My friend Brandon, a capable handy fella, is coming to help me. I usually pay him $30/hr and he’s worth every penny. I’ll probably buy him a Jimmy Johns sandwich too. We figure we can get it done in a day. $240 for Brandon, $30 for our lunch - $270.
I chose the latter. *did I mention that IKEA was going to add $625 for assembly and installation? Teri and I are going to be “saving” about $10/hr for our labor contribution (not counting the carrying of the stuff up from the shop to the house!)
I’m pondering this upcoming weekend project, not because I’m feeling like I’ve made a mistake in deciding to DIY the thing, as though it were an anecdotal illustration for lessons on when we do things the hard way. I enjoy (sometimes) having a project like this and have the time to do it. Teri will help and we will have a memorable day, getting this accomplished together. I’ll learn a thing or two along the way and I’ll get to enjoy spending the day getting something done with my buddy and my bride.
I’m sharing the story because it is a current picture of the reality of decision making. We have to weigh our options – count the cost – make a decision – get it on the calendar – get-r-done (act).
What decisions are before you right now? Where do you need to make an investment after weighing your options? Do you feel like you even have options?
Most of the decisions we have to make are really and truly DIY decisions. You and I have to do it. We can’t hire ‘this one’ out. We’re up. Weigh-Choose-Schedule-Act.
It’s your turn in your story. You choose. Yes – you choose. Just keep this in mind…you’re not alone. Help is near.
Here’s a little encouragement from a guy who’s received a lot of help from others, and who’s willing to help others when asked: YES YOU DO. You have options. You CAN get better, you CAN change, you CAN indeed! You have more help nearby than, perhaps, you know.
We all need some help from time to time. It’s not a sign of failure or weakness to be needy. Oh no – it’s an invitation to receive. When you help me, it’s the gift of your life meeting the need of my life and vice versa.
God has gifted us so that we can help and bless one another. So be encouraged in my little IKEA story…I’m a needy guy who called a friend to help and you can do the same.
I chose the latter. Teri and Brandon will be there to help. We will get Jimmy Johns. I get to lift a ton and wear a path to my shop. We’ll do it together.
So will you.
Choose to call for help when you need it, friend.
Peace~
Craig
craig@r12coaching.com
This isn’t a shameful hint at promoting coaching here – but I do reserve a little time each week to work on things with folks who need the kind of identity-based coaching that R12 was built for. If you have questions about that, feel free to reach out. I do have a fulltime job, but we’ll find the time, I promise
