The Creation of Destruction

The rebuilding of the Girard house would become a very long process that would consume our lives for over a year. We optimistically figured that the fire’s damage had given us a clean slate to build something better. It seemed simple: cut out the charred bits and replace them with something new and fresh.

I was at the Girard house every day overseeing this process (and learning a whole lot about construction) when it occurred to me that I couldn’t prevent the smoke from seeping back inside. And we all know, where there is smoke, there is fire, and damage could easily be re-done. It was a scary feeling to realize "new and fresh" wasn’t good enough. It was becoming clear that not only the charred bits needed replacing, but the whole thing needed to become fire resistant. The destruction wasn’t over. Even though walls were being rebuilt and tall trusses were being lifted high, nothing was guaranteed against going up in smoke again, and I didn't like the odds.  There seemed to be a festering dichotomy at work.

Someone, I wish I could remember who, recently pointed out to me the theory that “At any given time we are contributing to either the cycle of creation or destruction in our lives. Both are necessary, but just know which one you are contributing to.” Is it possible to contribute to both?