The rainstorm raged against the house. Probably the worst storm of the season the wind whipped the pounding rain like a raging and ravenous beast. But Mother, Father and Greatgran felt safe and dry inside the house.

Until the sound of water dripping, no, closer to pouring, caught the attention of Father. On entering the kitchen he saw rain coming into the room from above the door. It washed over the curtain and window and onto the floor on both sides of the entry.

raining sheets

raining sheets (Photo credit: mytimemachine)

All effort focussed on rags and soaking up the water. The task, while partly successful, could not completely stop the liquid intrusion. Only when the storm passed did the rain stop inside as well.

A phone call to the installation company quickly followed. The very next day two workers arrived to check the recently installed roof. Their inspection revealed that the air hammer had been set too high and along the one edge the nails had been driven right through the shingles. Repairs corrected the problem and so rain should stay outside now.

Alas, the simple repairs outside did not clean up the mess inside.

The ceiling came down to evaluate the damage. All the insulation came out, too wet to remain and a nursery for mould. Attic dust now rained down into the kitchen while the demolition took place.

Then a trip to Rona to buy new insulation ($180 for three batts!). Up went the new insulation, and on and on and on and on…

All this trouble because of a job not well done.

Christian Laziness

Christian Laziness (Photo credit: Kevin Shorter)

Incompetence? Laziness? Ignorance? Hasty work? Indifference?

It matters not, because, whatever the excuse, it caused trouble, cost and wasted time for someone else. That part was a job well done.

No, Mother, Father and Greatgran did not sue or get nasty. They just went at the job because it needed doing.

Did the installers offer to help or pay? No. Another miss. But they admitted the mistake and ate humble pie.

“Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be arrogant, but be friendly to humble people. Don’t think that you are smarter than you really are. Don’t pay people back with evil for the evil they do to you. Focus your thoughts on those things that are considered noble. As much as it is possible, live in peace with everyone. Don’t take revenge, dear friends” (Romans 12:16-19a God’s Word).

Do life well. And if someone’s work makes work for you, well…