Both sides – 13 October 2009

Proverbs 18:17 The first to present his case seems right, til another comes forward and questions him

We had a number of building contractors on the school site over the summer holidays.  That in itself isn’t unusual, the seven week period provides a reasonably large window of opportunity.  Yet, since the main job had to follow a set sequence, a delay by one contractor would have a knock-on effect.

It was the asbestos removal contractor who went over time by a full week. They’d boasted that they’d finish comfortably in the third week and yet they needed a full fourth!!  It was noticeable to me how tired and irritable this team of blokes became as the days ticked by.  As I chatted to them from time to time it became apparent that the reason for the overrun was that an over-zealous analyst wouldn’t certify their work.  These asbestos removers were professionals after all and did this sort of work week in, week out.  More time passed and still the air tests failed.  The lads’ temper worsened – it went beyond irritable on the mood spectrum – and they became so short-tempered that they had scraps among themselves as their frustration surfaced.

In the middle of what turned out to be their last week, I had the chance, late one afternoon, to have a chat with the unreasonable analyst.  As we talked I was impressed with this man’s calmness, bearing and professionalism.  He explained that, having seen the asbestos type which was prevalent in this job, he had advised the manager of the removal team on the easiest and quickest method of containment.  His advice had been rejected out of hand on the basis that they knew what they were doing, and on grounds of cost!

Ironically, the analyst’s advice was followed towards the end of the last week and the relevant tests came through clear.

Dear Father please give me your wisdom and discernment today as I look at both sides.