CONTRACTOR

While you won't find me reading books very often, you will find me reading home decorating magazines cover to cover, sometimes several times through. Currently, the ones in my magazine rack are Renovation Style and House Beautiful. I love to read all about the process of design and renovation. One of the things that I've learned through the stories inside these publications is that when doing major renovations it is always best to have a good and trustworthy contractor overseeing the project. Experience says that nightmares can be avoided and the process might actually be enjoyed if the right contractor is hired. So as Keith and I set out on our renovation project, the first bit of advice I heeded was to find a contractor. 

So in the last couple weeks we've been talking with a contractor. And today we've decided to sign a contract with one. We are excited about partnering with him and the group of craftsman he will be managing. It feels odd to "hand over the work" to another. But this house is a bit different; the renovation a bit bigger and more extensive. Keith and I have been quite used to doing this type of thing ourselves as we look back over the number of house renovations we've tackled in the past. And of course, we will get our hands dirty on this project too. After all...the point of this whole project is to do the stuff ourselves. We'll do our part where we can each week, but leave certain things to the experts.

One morning during our early morning walk, Keith and I were talking about various details as we imagined moving forward on the purchase of this house. We had gone through the house twice and became very aware of the extent of the needed renovations. Everything had to be cared for; top to bottom; inside and out. With this in mind, we prayed! "Father, this is bigger than us. We declare YOU to be our General Contractor. We trust YOU to orchestrate everything that needs to be done. We declare that in this house people will know that 'unless the Lord builds the house our labor is in vain'. Anoint all who work on this project with the knowledge of who YOU are and who they are in You. Amen." 

I once heard someone say that God is a God of the impossible. I can do what is possible but if I want to accomplish greater things, I will need to take risks. My life is quite comfortable and predictable currently. I could choose to remain in that place. But I am not satisfied here; God is calling me forward. To take a risk. To trust Him with what I cannot do. 

"Thank you, Father, for being our General Contractor. You are big enough and good enough. I choose to trust you with each detail..." 

How about you? Where do you need to "hire the General Contractor"? What might He be able to do that you cannot do? Where do you need to risk?

 O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you. Psalm 84:12

I've got great plans for this kitchen!