“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
One of my favorite TV shows from when I was a kid was Home Improvement. This great show featured Tim Allen playing Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor. The show was based on the fictional family, the Taylors. Tim and his wife, Jill, played by Patricia Richards, had a wonderful family with three boys. Their family, especially Tim, often found themselves in difficult situations. Although the show was a comedy, it was often based on real life struggles.
The show featured a dad that was often the cause of the struggles his family faced. Tim would unwittingly cause a problem and then try his best to solve it. Unfortunately, Tim did not always possess the wisdom needed to lead his family out of the problems he created. When he really struggled, he would turn to Wilson, his wise and experienced neighbor. Tim and Wilson would talk about the Taylor family problems at the backyard fence. Wilson was the famous character known for never showing his face and always providing much needed help to Tim.
Home Improvement was a great success. The show ran for eight seasons. There were many great reasons for the show’s success, but one of the most enduring reasons is the relationship between Tim and Wilson. They were two neighbors who cared for one another. They listened to each other and shared what they had to help one another.
When I think about what it takes to build a better world, I can’t help but think of Wilson. He was always ready to help. He cared for the Taylor family and gave them his assistance, as needed. Most importantly, Wilson was ready to listen. When any of the Taylor family arrived at the fence, Wilson would provide an attentive and listening ear. A caring and listening ear will often help overcome the struggles we face. When we listen, we remind our friends they are not alone, and somebody who cares is with them. Listening is a wonderful gift in a noisy and stressful world.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
