Repair or Rebuild?

Two particular stories caught my eye in yesterday’s Lowestoft Journal:

‘The Thatch’ is having its roof repaired. We often go there for a coffee. It’s on the sea front, overlooking Lowestoft beach. In January scaffolding was erected and work began. The manager is reported as saying:

‘It was in dire need of repairs and was due to be done a few years ago… It was looking a little tired, mossy and while it has not been a complete rethatch, it has really tidied the roof area all up. And now we have a new thatch to go with the name.’

The new golden thatched roof is looking good.

A few hundred yards away, work continues on the new two storey construction, including a café and restaurant, that’s being built on Jubilee Parade. Last April old buildings were demolished, and the popular café ‘Sunrise at Zak’s’, was relocated to a temporary building.

Although the first phase of the development was completed last summer, the timeframe for completion has been pushed back and the cost of the scheme has risen to £6m. A council spokesman said:

The new complex will greatly improve the facilities on offer at this part of the seafront… will also increase seafront access for everyone… we are looking forward to its completion later this year.’

…Musing on potential life changes in my attitudes, relationships, the way I spend my time or money… As we said in school, there’s always room for improvement. The Thatch and Jubilee Parade developments teach me:

Change and improvement requires a clear decision and commitment… time and careful planning… There’s a decision – do I repair or completely replace and rebuild… There’s a cost – time, money, emotional energy, owning and putting right previous mistakes… I must act and start… Changes may be in full public view… There may be delays… Seeing the project through requires determination and stamina.

I pray that I’ll have wisdom in the changes I choose, repairing or rebuilding, and the strength, courage and determination to carry them through.

(Images: Mick Hawes, Lowestoft Journal, East Suffolk Council)