Grumpy the Gator

In Grumpy the Gator, a group of children playing encounter a grumpy alligator. The story teaches children to always keep a safe distance from animals in the wild, and to find an adult if they see an alligator.

Grumpy the Gator

Its Always A Story With The Hendersons

Lost In A Jumble

“We’re missing a bolt. No, wait, here it is.”
“Now there’s a plastic bag missing. No, wait, I found it.”
“This is going to take forever to assemble.”

These are comments from a recent Saturday when Alan worked on putting together a piece of furniture to go in the foyer.
About a week before that day, a delivery truck arrived at the house. I was super excited as the piece of furniture was just what we needed to complete the look of the entryway.

However, when the delivery man unloaded two flat boxes, brought them to the front door and asked, “Where do you want these, ma’am?”, I was surprised.

I thought the furniture would arrive assembled. Wrong assumption on my part.

The next few days, Alan opened the boxes and began unwrapping piece after piece of the doors, front and back of the furniture, and several drawers which had to be assembled. Numbered bags filled with nuts and bolts were spread across the kitchen counter. We tried to organize as best we could.
Alan said he would need something to put on the hardwood floor so his knees wouldn’t get hurt while working on this project. No problem. We have a work blanket for that. Next, Alan brought out screwdrivers of all sizes and shapes, the battery operated drill, a ruler, a flashlight, and lots of patience.

My dear husband worked on that project for seven hours. He took a few breaks to eat lunch and drink water to stay hydrated.
During the time he was working on this project, I tried to help whenever I could. He would ask me to hand him certain tools or to check the time. Sometimes a break for conversation was what he needed.

The morning became afternoon. I could hear Alan talking to himself. “What? Where does that go? That doesn’t look right.” Inquiring if he needed me to help, he answered with his usual sweet reply.

“Dear, I always need you, just not for this project.” He’s a sweetheart!

Afternoon turned into evening and he had completed building this beautiful entryway piece. I was so proud of him for sticking to the task at hand and not giving up.

I thanked Alan for his hard work and the time he took to make sure everything was assembled correctly. There were only a couple of bolts left over. Perhaps the company sent extras.

How easily it would have been to give up and feel like we were lost in a jumble of nuts and bolts and instructions. Yet, with patience and yes, prayer, the item was put together with no scratches, dents, or cuts and scrapes.

The furniture is assembled. Project completed. We enjoyed a few giggles during the process. I can picture God saying, “Look at those two. They’re laughing and learning.”

In life, there are times when situations may seem too hard to handle. We may feel lost in a jumble and aren’t sure what to do.
Friends, we have a Father who loves us and guides us along the way in every moment. All we have to do is go to Him in prayer and ask for His help. God loves His children.

Blessings,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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47 Comments
  • Joanne Viola
    Posted at 12:46h, 07 December Reply

    Melissa, I can so relate to this experience. Nowadays, assembly instructions seem to come with picture directions and my husband does better with reading a word instruction. I am so grateful we have been given an instruction booklet with The Word to guide us every single day!

  • Laurie Larsen
    Posted at 12:58h, 07 December Reply

    I want to see a picture of the final masterpiece!!

  • Kimberly Rose Johnson
    Posted at 14:49h, 07 December Reply

    I was going to say the same as Laurie. Your husband has amazing patience. The Lord is like that with us. He doesn’t give up either.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 15:22h, 07 December Reply

      Amen. I’m thankful the Lord doesn’t give up on us. 🙂 Have a blessed week!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 23:58h, 07 December Reply

      I’m thankful for God’s patience and for the patience of my husband, too. 🙂 Have a blessed week!

  • michellekaderlywelsh
    Posted at 15:37h, 07 December Reply

    I loved this as it reminds me of similar projects. What struck me the most was the sweet thing your husband said. That is truly precious. And I agree, he has amazing patience. You are very blessed. 🙂 I, too, am thankful for the Lord’s great patience. Thanks for the reminder that the Lord looks down and sees us as we work together. What beautiful attitudes you both have in these times of frustration. 🙂

    • Melissa G. Hendersonm
      Posted at 16:16h, 07 December Reply

      Thank you so much Michelle. I am thankful the Lord is with us in every moment. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Lynn J Simpson
    Posted at 16:06h, 07 December Reply

    “In life, there are times when situations may seem too hard to handle. We may feel lost in a jumble and aren’t sure what to do.” I’m so glad for a Father who know exactly how I am assembled, and can direct my pieces back together again! Lovely post, Melissa.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 16:17h, 07 December Reply

      Thank you so much Lynn. I am thankful, too, that God knows how we are assembled and can put us back together when we fall apart. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • JD Wininger
    Posted at 16:26h, 07 December Reply

    Been there, done that Ms. Melissa, but not with near the patience Mr. Alan showed. I’m usually more like your “Grumpy the Gator” when it comes to assembling furniture. I lay everything out, take inventory, and begin the solitary process. In the past 25 years together, Ms. Diane has learned to wait for me to bellow for her to come hold something when I don’t have enough hands. Otherwise, she conveniently finds things to do elsewhere. And yes, there’s always a few extra parts left over. I can almost hear the maniacal laughs of the person packaging things as they place two extra connectors, short you one long bolt and give you an extra short bolt as they assembling the package. 🙂 Thank you for the big smile and the great lesson ma’am. God’s blessings and Merry CHRISTmas friends.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 17:20h, 07 December Reply

      Glad to know we are not the only ones who find extra pieces. haha! Sometimes we have patience and other times, not so much. haha! I’m glad God is patient with us. Have a blessed week! Please tell Ms. Diane hello from Mimi.

  • Jill Weatherholt
    Posted at 17:09h, 07 December Reply

    Beautiful message today, Melissa. Alan is indeed a blessing!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 17:21h, 07 December Reply

      Thank you Jill. Alan is indeed a blessing. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Janet from FL
    Posted at 19:07h, 07 December Reply

    Love your stories! They make me laugh. Life sure is more fun when spouses enjoy each other’s company! The Lord knew what He was doing when He put you two together. My husband and me too.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 00:00h, 08 December Reply

      You are so sweet Janet! My husband and I have been married for over 42 years and we grow more in love every day. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • tracycrump
    Posted at 19:07h, 07 December Reply

    Sounds like some of our projects, Melissa! Laugh and learn!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 23:58h, 30 December Reply

      I love how God gives us things to laugh about. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • readywriterbr
    Posted at 21:55h, 07 December Reply

    Sounds like you have a persistent husband! I always get a laugh from reading your stories.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 00:01h, 08 December Reply

      Thank you so much. I appreciate your encouragement. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Nancy E. Head
    Posted at 22:01h, 07 December Reply

    Such projects do test our patience. Glad yours worked out in the end–as they do when we persevere. Nice post!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 00:02h, 08 December Reply

      Thank you Nancy. Yes, our patience can be tested, but there is always a lesson in the testing. 🙂 Have a blessed week!

  • Ava Pennington
    Posted at 23:53h, 07 December Reply

    How often is that assembly project a picture of my life as God is at work assembling the pieces in just the right time and just the right way!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 00:03h, 08 December Reply

      Yes, yes! Love that statement Ava. God is at work assembling the pieces in our lives. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Bettie G
    Posted at 03:43h, 08 December Reply

    So glad that you were able to giggle and laugh together during the process! That’s an extra gift from the Lord’s fruitfulness in your lives! Blessings and love to you, dear friend.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 16:29h, 08 December Reply

      Thank you Bettie. Yes, always lots of giggles with the Henderson’s. Blessings to you and your family. 🙂

  • Yvonne Morgan
    Posted at 15:41h, 08 December Reply

    I can relate but I am thankful that you guys could enjoy a giggle during the process. I hope you share a photo of the finished project.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 16:30h, 08 December Reply

      Thank you Yvonne. I’m going to have to share a photo on social media. haha! I’m thankful God gives us the opportunity to laugh. Blessings! 🙂

  • Jessica Brodie
    Posted at 15:47h, 08 December Reply

    Ha, love this! I’ve definitely been there, too. Thank God that in life, we have a Master Assembler in our Lord!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 16:31h, 08 December Reply

      Amen. I am thankful for the Lord and how He assembles the pieces of our lives. Blessings! 🙂

  • June Foster
    Posted at 15:52h, 08 December Reply

    What a precious memory you two have made.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 16:32h, 08 December Reply

      Thank you June. Yes, precious memories and lots of laughter. Blessings! 🙂

  • Colleen
    Posted at 03:09h, 09 December Reply

    Another great reflection. Thanks for making me smile 🙂

  • Melinda Viergever Inman
    Posted at 05:12h, 10 December Reply

    I’ve completed an entire bedroom of those pieces that came in boxes with nuts and bolts and screws. Our college-age daughter and I worked together on the project. My husband looked in occasionally. We love to assemble. He simply does not.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 11:55h, 10 December Reply

      I think some people are happy to “assemble” projects. I’m happy to help when I can. Other times, I find other things to work on while hubby completes a project. We all have different gifts. haha! Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Karen Jurgens Harrison
    Posted at 08:47h, 13 December Reply

    You are so blessed, dear Mimi, to have a patient husband with lots of persistence. I had to hire a furniture assembler for my box! No way I could begin to figure out the packages of screws and bolts and where to put them. I feel the same way when I look at my life with parts and screws that I have no idea how to assemble. So thankful the Lord can put my life together perfectly for me! Also reassuring to remember that Jesus was a carpenter by profession, lol. Have a blessed week, sweet friend. xoxo

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 22:35h, 14 December Reply

      Thank you for the reminder that Jesus was a carpenter. I love how God works in His way and in His timing to put our lives together. Have a blessed week dear friend! 🙂

  • Diana Derringer
    Posted at 13:07h, 20 December Reply

    Go to God when we “feel lost in a jumble and aren’t sure what to do.” Amen, Melissa. Thank you.

  • debwilson2
    Posted at 15:05h, 24 December Reply

    Amen, go to God and let Him direct the assembly! Merry Christmas, Melissa!

  • Paula Short
    Posted at 16:21h, 02 January Reply

    Melissa, I can so relate to this. I had to chuckle🙂. This is similar to me assembling a computer stand and TV stand last week. Boy did I have myself in a pickle. I had hardware left over, oops 🤔. Blessings.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 22:23h, 02 January Reply

      Thank you for reading and commenting Paula. I hope your computer stand and TV stand are working out great. 🙂 Happy New Year! Blessings!

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