In our county, where, according to the recent census, there are 6 cows to every person, most of the fences are barbed wire. Years ago, Don hired a local fence builder, Melvin Lawrence, to help him fence the perimeter of our property. Melvin was in his late 60's at the time, well respected in our community, tall and lean, and strong as a 60 penny nail. His work garb was overalls, and in one pocket, there was always a plumb bob.
Don worked with Melvin as his mentor, learning as they went. The first part of the job was putting in the corner posts. They were made of treated oak, which was state-of-the-art for fencing at the time. Each one was 8 feet long, with a 6 inch diameter, and much heavier than the line posts. Melvin said they had to be solid, as they anchored the entire fence, much like his faith, which was anchored in Jesus.
The wire was Red Brand, which was THE way to fence. It had to be strung very tight, but not so tight that it would break. When Don asked Melvin how to determine how tight was tight enough, Melvin stooped his tall frame, and, bending his ear to the wire, plucked it, and said, "It has to sound just like 'E' string on a fiddle." This was an instrument with which he was well acquainted, not unlike the come-along in his hands.
That was 1976. Melvin has since gone to be with his Savior. The old fence has needed repairs over the years; fallen trees and branches have stretched and broken the wire, but all of the corner posts are right where they were planted, still anchoring the whole project.
...we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us
may be greatly encouraged.
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Hebrews 6:18, 19
Linking with Fridays Fences
