After one of the tours of The Granger Commons last week I was asked, "Why didn't we just put up a simple open space for an Atrium? What's the benefit of building something like this? Wouldn't a big ol' pole barn serve the same purpose?"
Good question. I understand why it's asked, but I've always believed excellence inspires people and lofty ideals carry us along paths of glory - paths we wouldn't otherwise choose. God's Kingdom calls for our commitment to a big plan - not so we can be saved, but because we are saved.
David Burnham, the American architect who developed the Master Plans for Chicago and downtown Washington D.C. seems to agree:
"Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men's blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans. Aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone will be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistency. Remember that our (children) and (grandchildren) are giong to do things that would stagger us."
My thanks to Ray Ortlund for the quote.
Proverbs 24:3-6a
It takes wisdom to build a house,
and understanding to set it on a firm foundation;
It takes knowledge to furnish its rooms
with fine furniture and beautiful draperies.
It's better to be wise than strong;
intelligence outranks muscle any day.
Strategic planning is the key.
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