Decks, Dameselflies, and Archangel Raguel
Did you know deck boards aren’t straight, 2x4s are not 2”x4”, and screws are no longer limited to “flat or Phillips”?
Due to a series of unfortunate events beginning with rotting deck boards, I now know the answers behind all these deck construction facts.
I did not plan on helping my husband reconstruct our deck this summer (or ever) - not that deck demolition and reconstruction was in his plans either...
Today, an aqua and lime green damselfly flew inches in front of my face as I was inwardly complaining about the 116-degree heat. (Yes, I brought out a thermometer to measure how hot it was in the direct sunlight.) Damselflies represent transformation and adaptability. As we placed that penultimate board next to the house, I could see the transformation...and from the discovery of that first rotten board, the whole project was about being adaptable.
I’m not gonna lie – my husband did the bulk of the work on this project, mentally and physically. I helped carry some boards. I learned how to remove nails from old wood. I held boards steady as he measured twice and cut once with the circular saw, and sometimes the jigsaw. I ran to get tools, water, Gatorade, sunblock, and bug spray, and I pushed, pulled, lifted, and positioned boards with all my might so they could be evenly spaced...but he screwed in every single one of the over 1500 screws into those boards (plus all the fascia, and the half dozen or so joists he replaced!).
Together we built (rebuilt) part of our house that has served us for the last 25 years.
It seems symbolic.
Like many couples, communication is not always our strong suit. I find myself asking Archangel Raguel to help me be a better listener and to use the best words to convey what I mean.
Raguel helped us immensely. We joked, bantered, gave each other “heads-up” warnings when we saw something the other was missing.
Seriously, getting warped boards lined up in equi-distant fashion was as physically taxing as anything we did...but we were able to do it!
The angels are suggesting that relationships are like those warped boards. It’s very rare where two boards line up perfectly from one end to the other in a straight line with a consistent 1/8” gap all the way from end to end. It takes effort from both parties to make a workable, walkable surface on a deck, and it takes effort from both parties to make a workable relationship. If one person gets distracted, or doesn’t do their part, there are consequences...and at first, it’s aesthetic in nature, but as time goes on, it affects the integrity of the structure.
It doesn’t matter what kind of relationship; whether it’s with a spouse, a family member, a co-worker, a neighbor, or the postal carrier – what's important is that effective communication is used. Speaking clearly and listening intently (especially when you think you already know what they’re going to say) is important. We have angels to help us – our guardian angels, and Archangel Raguel are especially good for this. All we need to do is ask!
