While You're At It

While You’re At It: The Art of the Unfinished Project

I’ll be honest: I love working with my hands. There is something deeply satisfying about building, fixing, and putting things together. But there’s a catch—it has to be on my terms. If you see me under a sink and I don’t look happy, something has gone sideways.

For me, the hardest part of any project isn’t the work itself; it’s getting the tools out. Dragging the boxes into the house, finding the right bits, and prepping the space is a task of its own. So, once I finally have the tools in my hands, I have a rule: I’m going to do as many things as I can before I put them away.

The "While I'm At It" Momentum

Recently, our downstairs toilet was leaking. It was a simple enough fix—reset the wax ring and run a fresh bead of silicone around the base. I grabbed my battery-powered caulk gun (which is, frankly, one of the greatest inventions of all time) and got to work.

I fixed the toilet. It looked great. But then I looked up.

I realized I was already "in it." I already had the tools out. I already had silicone on my hands and my jeans.

While I’m at it, I should probably fix that piece of trim we never nailed back down.

While I’m at it, I might as well glue those cabinet kick plates that fell off months ago.

Before I knew it, half the "to-do" list in the house was crossed off. Why? Because I was already in the flow. I was already equipped. I was already dirty.

Paul’s Final Instructions

As we finish the book of Galatians and head into a new year, we find the Apostle Paul doing the exact same thing. He has spent five chapters teaching us about the Gospel of Grace and the Fruit of the Spirit. He’s given us the "tools" for a Christian life.

In Chapter 6, he looks at us and says, "Since you’ve already got the tools in your hands, let’s knock out these last few things while we’re at it."

He gives us a "quick-fire" list of instructions for the household of faith:

Restore People: If someone falls into a hole, don't just walk by. Help them out. You know what forgiveness feels like because Jesus did it for you. You have the tool of restoration—use it.

Carry the Heavy Stuff: We are called to "carry one another’s burdens." In the family of God, we are each other's keepers.

Watch Your Own Step: It’s easy to compare your progress to someone else’s. Paul reminds us to stay focused on our own assignment. You're special, but you're not that special. Stay humble.

Invest in What Matters: If you spend all your time and energy on "fleshly" things, don't be surprised when life feels hollow. Sow spiritual things. Invest in your relationship with God and your church family.

Don’t Fall Out: Doing good is exhausting. Paul knew we’d get tired. But he encourages us to keep going, because a harvest is coming if we don't give up.

You Already Have the Tools

As we flip the calendar to 2025, life isn't necessarily going to get "simpler." We will still face the highs and lows—the promotions and the losses, the births and the funerals.

But here is the good news: You already have the tools.

You have the Holy Spirit. You have the Word of God. You have a community of believers around you. You’re already "in the project" of following Jesus.

So, as you walk into this new year, look around your world. Look at the people in your path. Look at the "trim" in your own life that needs a little attention.

Don't put the tools away yet. While you’re at it, let’s do some good.

Reflect: Which of Paul’s "while you’re at it" instructions is the Holy Spirit nudging you to work on this week?