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Life on the property this week has been a lot of different things. Luke has made it a daily habit of rising early and using the tractor and brush hog to clear out the brush on the property. He’s also using our chain saw to cut up old fallen trees and pile them in strategic piles for ease of access. And we had a representative from the Department of Natural Resources come out to our property on Thursday. We had a good discussion about the health of the trees, what might need to “go,” and our overall fire risk. Turns out, all the mowing/brush-hogging Luke’s been doing has been several steps in the right direction and the DNR rep was pleased at the amount of work Luke’s been able to accomplish in just three weeks. Overall, we’re in a good position right now so there’s not a ton to worry about in terms of fire risk.
Beside the meeting with the DNR rep, we’ve made steady progress on the chicken coop this week. However, as I sit here typing this, I’m covered in saw dust from trying to install a vent inside the chicken coop this afternoon. I’m frustrated, because I don’t have the right piece of equipment needed and it’s forcing me to take a break. I tried different tools, but it’s not turning out the way I want. I have this vision of what the coop will look like, but I also want to manage my own expectations. This is just a coop after all, not a kitchen remodel.
So, while I’m on a break, I thought I’d write down a few lessons that I learned this week during this shed/coop remodel.
Lessons from building a chicken coop
1. Measure seventy times, cut once.
This comes from the old saying, “Measure twice, cut once.”
This week, we learned to double, triple and quadruple check our measurements. There’s nothing as annoying as measuring, measuring again, cutting and measuring to find that we measured incorrectly. So annoying. But, we’ve been victims of this a few times this week. This careful planning can help save you from costly mistakes.
As Christians, we’re called to live wisely, not impulsively. His word provides the ultimate “measuring tape.” The scripture that supports this can be found in Proverbs 21:5 “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
2. Wear the right gear
Even small injuries can derail your day! A splinter or bruised toe can brind momentum to halt. Wearing gloves, boots, eye pro has saved us more than once.
I just purchased these working gloves. I’ve been able to pick up pokey pinecones, transport wood with frayed ends and handle the tools safely. Highly recommend. I purchased a size medium and they’re a little bit, but they come with a draw string to tighten around the wrist and that was nice.
I’ve also invested in some good work boots that have been great for walking the property, using shovels and just general chores around the property. I couldn’t quite find the exact ones online, but these are pretty close.
And of course, you’ll need some eye protection. These basic glasses should do the trick.
3. Expect to drop the drill bit and screws/nails more times than you can count. It builds character.
While trying to screw on a panel of the nesting box, the drill bit I was trying to use dropped seven times. By the fifth time, I said out loud to no one in particular, “Ok, this isn’t funny anymore.” But, I then I dropped it again, twice more! I couldn’t help but laugh at myself. The faith related parallel here is that perseverance in trials refines our faith. And also, why get angry when you can just laugh at yourself? 😉 There are two scriptures that came to mind while writing this section.
Romans 5:3–4 – “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
James 1:2–4 – “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because… you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
4. Make do with the resources you have
Recycle wood, re-purpose things, incorporate used things and save money. Not only is this cost beneficial, but it’s also wise and Godly to steward your resources.
We had quite a bit of wood left over from the previous owner’s projects that we were able to repurpose and use for the coop. Most of it was in really good shape, too! We’re resisting that urge to just buy everything new and instead make do with what we have. IE) No need to build a pre-fab coop. We have a shed that can be converted. As stewards of our resources God provides us, we’re called to live with intention – not excess.
This practice is scriptural too, in Proverbs 13:11, “Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase.”
5. Building a coop - like your faith - takes more than a day
We’re currently on day seven of this remodel, and we’re still only about 30% of the way through the plan. But as my sister-in-law wisely reminded me this week, doing it right the first time will save time and money later on.
Her wisdom reminded me of my favorite scripture from Galatians 6:9, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Like our building the coop, building our faith takes time. Similarly, developing faith is a journey of growth, where we incorporate spiritual practices and insights, building upon the initial foundation. We’ve learned that there are often times unexpected delays. In the same way, life with faith is not without its difficulties. Patience and perseverance are required to overcome these obstacles and see the “project” through to completion.
Like our relationship with God, construction takes time and I’m going to try to continue to find joy in the process.
The reflection
As I reflect on this week, sawdust still in my hair and a growing list of what’s left to finish, I’m reminded how often God uses the ordinary things in life to teach us something deeper. A drill bit dropped seven times. A scrap piece of wood given new purpose. A job that’s taking longer than I planned.
All of it matters.
Whether you’re building a chicken coop, nurturing a dream, or just trying to make it through a long week with grace, don’t underestimate the holy ground beneath your work boots. God’s not waiting for you to finish the project—He’s meeting you in the process.
Until next time, friends… Thanks for gathering around my Hearth this week.
Blessings,
