The Tin That Held the Nails

Dad was repairing a small bird table. He gave Will a tin to hold the nails while he measured the wood. Will liked having an important job and stood as close to the workbench as he was allowed.

After a while he noticed a beetle near the shed door. He put the tin on a sloping board and hurried over to look. Behind him, the tin slid sideways. Nails scattered across the floor.

Dad stopped working at once. Will had to stay clear while Dad collected the sharp nails safely. He felt disappointed that his small job had interrupted the bigger one. Dad explained that helping meant caring for the task from beginning to end.

They chose a flat place for the tin. Will counted the nails as Dad put them back and kept the work area clear. When they took a break, he asked where the tin should stay before leaving the bench.

By afternoon the bird table was ready. Will watched Dad fasten it in the garden, then helped put away the safe tools he was allowed to handle. The beetle was gone, but there were plenty of other things to see once the work was finished.

We can bring our work before the Lord and seek to do it faithfully. That includes small responsibilities as well as large plans. Will's tin was not the whole project, but careful attention to it helped someone else complete the work safely.