Construction Worker Projection

There under the shade are sitting 3 construction workers.
Progress on the building has stopped for their lunch break.

Indulge me as I project myself into the boots of one worker.

My work is hard.
Our supervisor shouted at us this morning.
But then again the big boss shouted at him shortly before that.
We are doing our best but that never seems to be good enough.

I go home dirty and tired.
A hot shower and a cold beer are always welcomed.
Family, food and sports on TV are what keep me going.

My wife is glad that this job will last for months.
Her cousin is in construction too but only works for 2 weeks at most.

I tell her to keep packing my lunch.
I do not need to eat the fast food like some other men.
Saving money is a high priority for us.

She tells me about the bargains she bought at the store.
We are again stocking up the freezer with meats.
We are packing the pantry with foods that will store for a long time.
If the job continues then we will put money in our savings account again.

The reality is that this construction job too will end.
We will go through a season without income for a while.
But we have learned the hard way to use these times to get ready.

Maybe my son and daughter will go to college.
I want what is best for them.
But this kind of life is rough.

I see the people going into the office buildings daily.
I do not think that they worry about their basic needs like we do.

America is still the land of opportunities.
All I can do is pray for my children and insist that they complete their homework.
So far their grades are good.
But there are too many stories of kids getting tangled up in gangs and drugs.

I worry.
I pray.
I work.
I save.
I love my family.

I will die.
How will it be for my children and grandchildren?
Will they get ahead or struggle like me?

God keep me safe on the job.
Send to me plenty of work for each year.
Have mercy on my family.

Amen.