Josh climbed out from under the sink. “You’re right, Dad. I see where the leak is coming from.”

William grinned. “Always my favorite phrase. Nothing better than hearing your kid tell you you’re right.”

Josh grimaced. “Don’t let it go to your head. But seriously, I appreciate you coming to help me out.”

Joey’s little voice came through the monitor. Josh wiped his hands on his pants. “Guess I better get the little guy. I’ll be right back.” He took the stairs two at a time, wanting to get to Joey before his mood turned. Joey was not a patient two-year old. Then again, was there such a thing? He turned the corner into Joey’s room. Joey stood in his crib, his arms outstretched. In spite of everything that had gone wrong in Josh’s life, not the least of which was Lydia’s sickness, at least he had the boys.

Josh scooped Joey in his arms and in less than two minutes, had him outfitted in a clean diaper. He carried him downstairs and set him on the ground at the base of the stairs.

Dad sat with Liam at the kitchen table, where Liam’s brow furrowed in concentration, meticulously building a domino tower. Joey flew over to the table, thrilled to see his big brother. Almost in slow motion, Josh watched the scene unfold before him, and Joey knocked into the wobbly table leg, scattering the dominos all over the table. Liam jumped up, his face reddening. Josh held his breath. Liam’s lip trembled, and he couldn’t hold back the tears.

William draped an arm around Liam’s shoulders. “Hey, buddy. Dominos are meant to fall down. I bet we can make an even better tower.”

Liam swiped at his tears. “Only if Joey stays away.”

Josh moved to the table and lifted Joey in his arms. “How about if I take Joey outside for a little while? Dad, do you mind hanging with Liam for a bit? We can get back to the dishwasher repair later, if you’re able to stay.”

William nodded. “I’d love to. And I’m here as long as you need me, son. Your mother sent over dinner, so if you don’t mind, I’ll throw her casserole in the oven.”

Josh clapped William on the shoulder and swallowed against the lump in his throat. “You have no idea how much I appreciate your help, Dad.”

William nodded. “Anytime, son. Your mother will be back from the hospital a little later and you can go back.”

“Of course. You and Mom can’t be here all the time. You have lives of your own.”

William’s brows drew together. “You’re raising two young boys while Lydia is in the hospital. Your mother and I are going to help as much as you need.”

“Thanks, Dad. I feel guilty leaving the hospital, but I’m glad you and Mom made me spend today here with the boys. And sadly, with the leaking dishwasher. Now let me get outside with Joey.”

Josh took the squirming Joey out to the yard. After chasing him around and pushing him on the swing for a while, Joey was ready to eat. When they re-entered the house, Josh inhaled the comforting aroma of Mom’s casserole, but his attention was drawn to Liam’s creation in the family room. “What do you have going on there, buddy?”

Liam’s domino tower rose above the solid block coffee table, which was surrounded by a veritable fortress of books. Liam glanced up from where he was continuing to extend his tower. “I put a wall up around the table, so Joey will get slowed down if he gets too close. Plus, this table isn’t wobbly like the other one.”

Josh lifted his eyebrows, impressed at Liam’s creativity. “Nice. So is anyone hungry?”

Liam shrugged. “Not really.”

Josh almost laughed. “Don’t worry. It’s Grandma’s cooking, not mine.”

“Oh. Then, yes.” Liam clambered to his feet and entered the kitchen while Josh strapped Joey into his high chair.

William brought plates to the table, and soon, three generations gave thanks to God for the food in front of them.

While Liam and Joey focused on their food, Josh turned to William. “I’m not sure how I’m going to get through this without Lydia here. She’s everything to me.”

William closed his eyes for a moment before speaking. “I think that might be the problem.”

Josh blinked. “What do you mean?”

“Lydia is your focus, your center. While she is a wonderful and amazing woman, she can’t be your foundation. Just like Liam here. He tried to build his domino tower on the wobbly table, and with a little bump from Joey, it came crashing down. But when he shifted his tower to the solid block of a coffee table, it could withstand a lot more. You need to your foundation to be Jesus. The storms will still come in life, but your entire house of cards won’t collapse.”

Josh swallowed hard. “Did the doctor tell Mom something I don’t know? Is Lydia getting worse?”

William’s eyes softened. “No, no, nothing like that. I expect Lydia will be home soon. Your single parenting days are numbered. But think about what I said. Put your trust in God, not in your wonderful wife. No one can live up to that kind of expectation. And the poor woman will need to rest once she gets home. Only God can get you through the tough times. Only He can be your foundation. With him, you’ll weather the storms in life and be a better father, and in turn a better husband to Lydia.”

Joey fussed in his seat, no longer interested in eating. Josh leaned over and let him out. He ran to the family room busting through the wall of books which bumped the coffee table. Liam’s eyes grew wide, but the domino tower stayed intact. Josh’s soul flooded with peace. Maybe Jesus could get him through this trial after all. 

1 Corinthians 3: 10-15

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.

God, building our lives on You is the only way we can be sure our work and our faith will survive. Often we trust in other things, but no one can serve as a substitute for You. Anything we do based on our own efforts will not survive the test of eternity, but that which we do for You will. Help us put our trust in You, no matter what we face. If we do, our faith will help us through our trials. Thank You for Your faithfulness to us throughout life’s challenges. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

.