HUPOMONE

Have you ever heard that word before? Keith and I have been saying it a lot to each other in the last couple weeks as we talk about this renovation project. It is a Greek word that means..

"steadfastness, constancy, endurance; a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance"

The work on this big house can seem endless. Each day we arrive to work there we see more that needs to be done even though we have a wonderful sense of accomplishment afterward. On the drive there we usually share with each other what our goals are for the day. We laugh and encourage each other as we consider the scope of things. We rejoice together about how much we are thankful for friends who are contributing their skills to the project. And there are times that we challenge each other to faith in God that he will continue to provide the strength, finances and guidance we need at every phase.

Currently our kitchen cabinets are stacked in the dining-room. They were delivered much earlier than expected so the kitchen is the room that is first on the list of priorities.

 In order to install the kitchen cabinets, the floor must be prepared. We chose to put in a tile floor. This is not a one day process. My knees got a good workout after only a few hours of work, even though I was wearing knee pads. And a blister on my hand after only an hour caused me to put on the work gloves.

The kitchen floor (and mudroom) are ready for tile! Things are feeling much cleaner and it really is beginning to look great. I even marked the walls for where the cabinets will be placed. I'm really getting anxious to have a new kitchen.

So while we can see progress, this is only one room out of ten (not counting the 3rd floor). So what do I focus on?!

HUPOMONE! "Persevere, Brenda. Be patient. Stay steady." 

We ask the Lord for hupomone...not only in this renovation project, but also in life. It is so easy to become discouraged when we see so many things demanding our attention; so many needs; so much confusion and frustration. Life is a big overwhelming project at times. Trust God with me. He is BIG enough and GOOD enough for everything before us.

"...you, O God are strong, and you, O Lord, are loving..."                              Psalm 62:11-12