God's Benefits...

Here are some updated pics from the past few days.  We were able to finish pouring the floor today AND put up 12 trusses.  Today was extra special because we had some of the youth group kids out to help as well as Susie (the Vargas' oldest daughter), her husband Ricky and their three kids, who are visiting for the week.

Susie and her hubby working the shovels and dirt...

Becky, was home from college in Chihuahua...to handle some wheel barrel...

I've been thinking a lot about all the wonderful benefits the US offers...paid vacation, paid holidays, paid sick leave, medical, dental, vision benefits, 401k, stock options, company cars, cell phones, per diems...the list goes on.  Now, having been here in Mexico and experienced a bit of work life down here...benefits aren't as much.  Most people work 6 days a week for hopefully 150-200 pesos (15 USD) a day.  Unless you work for a big company, most people have never experienced benefits, paid time off, holidays, etc.

Since our crew has worked so incredibly hard the past 7 weeks, I thought it'd be fun to give them a day off...PAID.  Luis shared the plan yesterday morning...with some incentives. If we finished the floor and laid some trusses, everyone gets Monday off...paid.  I think they all were a little shocked at what that meant.  However, reality settled in and they adjusted quickly to the thought of being paid for a day you get to stay home.  One gentleman shared, "...enough said...no more talk let's get to work." It was such a blessing to see the joy and smile on their faces, regarding something they've never experienced before...and yet at times, we can take for granted. I have also been meditating on what David wrote in Psalm 68...

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits" (Psalm 68:19).

Every day we wake up, the Lord LOADS us with HIS benefits.  And let me share with you friend, that they are FAR better than any physical benefit we will ever receive from our job or the USA.  Tomorrow when you wake up, think of God's mercies, that are new every morning.  Meditate on His grace, your salvation, the hope, comfort, provision and protection we have in a living and active God who wants to hangout with you and minister to your heart....THAT truly is a wonderful benefit package!