A few years ago a friend had an old Snapper lawn mower to get rid of. While the mower still ran, it was not the ideal machine to keep his lawn well-manicured. I told him he could put it on our iron pile, which was scheduled to be picked up by the local scrap man. A couple days later the man brought the mower and set it next to the pile for disposal. Upon his departure, my boys spotted wheels and a motor and immediately asked Josh if the mower ran. Their eyes lit up the moment the engine turned over. Grabbing the wheel, they moseyed around the yard for days, thinking they had just won the lottery. Well, until Josh used it to mow through some tall grass out back. That was it – the motor blew up. Boom! Done…
Josh saw a project and an opportunity to show the boys his mechanic skills so off to town they went for parts. After the local parts man estimated it would cost several hundred dollars to fix the old Snapper, the boys admitted defeat and assumed their days of cruising were over. That was until the gentleman behind the counter offered them a deal they couldn’t refuse. After a short conversation and a very minimal exchange of cash, the boys updated their rig by about fifteen years.
Over the last couple years, the boys have put a lot of hours into their little lawn mower. They’ve built accessories like a trailer for chores, a front blade to push snow; they have even rigged up a sprayer for the lawn. Best of all they get along while working together! Watching them sit side-by-side on the small seat in perfect harmony as they drive across the yard is really pretty priceless. Other than the copious amounts of fuel they have burned, perhaps the most notable alteration to the old mower is the one inch straight pipe they poked out the top of the hood. I say most notable because of the extreme noise it creates. They can be across the property behind the barn, and I still know right where they are when I’m sitting in my living room – on the other side of the house and property!
Sadly, this spring they took the transmission out of their beloved toy. Josh looked into a new transmission with the agreement that AJ would have to do the work to fix it. Josh (and Evan) watched over his shoulder and gave him instruction, but for the most part, AJ made the necessary repairs and the old girl is purring like a kitten – or perhaps I should say roaring like a lion. Recently at the supper table I heard the latest idea. And while I do not understand exactly what a 1:1 pulley is, I do know it likely has something to do with speed or power.
Whatever the case, it has been a joy watching AJ tinker and learn while putting all his efforts into this simple machine. While I was watching him tune his toy the other day scripture from Colossians popped in my head and it caused me to smile. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” (Colossians 3:23)
Monday we will celebrate Labor Day. For many it is a day off from their jobs, others it’s time and a half pay while they continue with their work. And whether your labors are about preparing for the fall harvest or waiting for the school bell to ring, may it be so of each of us that we go about all our duties with joy and excitement as though each responsibility is an act of worship presented to our Father in Heaven.
Have a blessed week!
Becky Ossefoort