After the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, an engineer named William Jenney was commissioned to build a modern 10-story skyscraper. At that time, a tall building required first-floor masonry walls—up to six feet thick. Inside, buildings were dark and fortress-like. Jenney wanted to open the interior space.
One frustrating day, he left work and went home. His wife was startled to see him at midday, and in her fluster, set her book on a bird cage. Jenney stared at the lightweight cage easily holding the heavy book … then raced back to his office with the construction clue he needed: the cage design!
This is Howard Butt Jr. of Laity Lodge. Never fear necessity and frustration: those two magicians can turn birdcages into skyscrapers … in the high calling of our daily work.
“He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers.”— Proverbs 19:8
