The Washington Monument is one of the most recognizable structures in the world. At 555 feet in height, it was the tallest structure in the world until the construction of the Eiffel Tower. While most people look to the top of the monument soaring into the sky, there’s an even greater story to be found just 150 feet off the ground. About a quarter of the way up the monument, if you look carefully, you’ll see that the color of the stone changes. After beginning construction in 1848, the builders actually ran out of money in 1854. Construction was halted, and the majestic monument we know today remained just a 150 foot tall “stump” for about 23 years. What a joke and embarrassment that must have been.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus warns us not to start construction on a tower without making sure we intend to complete it. He’s warning his disciples that the decision to follow him is not easy. Think how difficult it would have been to build a tower in the days of Jesus. How is the “building project” of your faith going? Did you start out joyfully but have now stalled? The answer is to keep going. The Washington Monument was built by continuing to stack one brick at a time. God has a beautiful design for your life. Don’t let yourself get stuck as a stump only a quarter of the way done.
