Finding a Level Place

We recently purchased an older home which we knew would need some major home improvements. Growing up in the Midwest, an older home was considered to be from the 1940s or so. I used to take my children to Old World Wisconsin where there is a series of themed villages built to historical specifications. These villages are designed to feel and look like some of the area’s oldest history. Some of the buildings are actually authentic and have been relocated to the site. The oldest building was built in 1845 which seemed ancient to me.

In New England, it is a whole different scale relative to what is considered old. The home we purchased was built in 1780 and would rival anything at Old World Wisconsin. I thought any home this old still standing would have been converted into a museum or something similar. Much to my surprise, our entire neighborhood is of this vintage, all of them look like they are ready to stand for a long time. We were told our new home had “good bones” and just needed some updating.

Well, some of the bones of the house had done some settling causing curvature to the floors. We were told this is some of the great “character” of these older homes. It took some getting used to but eventually we accepted some of the nuances of our home. One aspect which was difficult to accept though was the sloping kitchen floor. Besides the 1960’s linoleum that had yellowed over the years, the floor slanted towards the center. It was probably a good two-inch drop from the wall to the middle of the floor. We are probably Midwest snobs used to the water in our cups or the pan on the stove being level, but it was too much for us to get accept. I decided that I would tear out the old floor and replace it with a level one.

Once the old floor was out, the challenge was how to find level in a framework that was not. Even though I thought I could see “level,” I knew that my sense of what was level was not good enough. I invested in a laser level that shoots a sharp red laser light across the room which is perfectly level. The laser level guided me as I installed shims to level the joists below the floor. Sometimes, after installing a shim, I would step back and admire my work only to notice it did not look level. I would double check my work with a second level only to find it was truly level. I needed an outside source to guide me so my work would stay true.

There is a verse in 2 Timothy that says, All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right (3:16). I think of God’s word as a “laser level” for my life. Though the world around me may not always be “level,” our Lord speaks through His words and can provide what is true. Left to my own understanding, I will eventually drift from the path He desires. It is important to ground ourselves in what is true.

As we prepare to begin a new school year, one that will not seem “level” due to the pandemic, it will be important for our community to be grounded in our faith and guided by our Lord. We have met the challenges facing us with great resolve and success since this past March. It is a testament to the relationships and the faith that makes up the fabric of our school community. We have “good bones” in the Xaverian charism and need to make sure to check we are remaining level and on the path set out for us.

I am looking forward to a great year.