Last week I posted about the Eastern Woodlands Longhouse that we are designing and building. We’re working for the 1719 Hans Herr House and having a great time trying to figure out the construction details. I wrote about how busy I am and how this project didn’t come at an opportune time, but sometimes we just need to say yes to the fun things in life. So we’re building a longhouse.

My next post chastised a project owner for his arrogance. I hate arrogance. We all win when we struggle to control our arrogance and highlight our honor and humility. In this, I suppose, God saw an opportunity too good to pass  up.

A reporter called me the next day and wrote an article for their Newsmaker in the Spotlight series. Titled Builder recreates a bit of Native American past, I got a sick feeling when I read the article Saturday morning. I sounded completely arrogant, like I worked out the entire design, just getting a bit of help here and there from others. The quote below illustrates:

Not only did Pelger have to design the plans largely on his own, he had to figure out how to keep the structure historically and culturally accurate while assuring it stands up to years of visitors and whatever Mother Nature dishes out.

Aren’t I wonderful? The truth is that most of the longhouse details were worked out by the Committee before I was even involved. They spent years learning things. I’m just figuring out some construction details and how to get it built with my team and volunteers.

I obsessed about the arrogance depicted in the article on Saturday, when speaking with a good friend I work with. He listened to my whining, then said, “If that’s all I had to worry about, I’d move on.” As I thought of his wife fighting cancer, I had to agree.

Still, though, that was a good one, God. I owe you.