PERSEVERANCE

Recently, we took a walk through the house, room by room, and wrote down all the little things that still need attention. It would be easy to live with many of these things left unfinished. Life is comfortable enough for us now. But hidden behind pieces of furniture is unfinished baseboard. Stair railings could use a good polishing to bring out more of their beauty. Several walls need a touch up of paint where I skipped a spot in the rush of finishing a room. No one else probably notices these things. But I know they are there.


For some reason, we have not been able to find the same working rhythm we had a year ago. With comfortable clean rooms, who feels like getting out tools or paint? Why would I want to sand and polish another stairway if it will coat everything with a fine layer of dust? And now that the bills are finally paid and the bank account is being replenished, it is difficult to think of sinking another chunk of money into more projects.


So we write lists. We break the final finishing work into do-able jobs. We'll get it done little by little. We will schedule it on our calendar in between weddings, church meetings and family activities. Here is a small sampling of what needs doing...
       - polish woodwork
       - remove linoleum on 3rd floor stairs
       - make curtains and pillows for family room
       - fix hole in floor
       - caulk where wood shrank
       - paint trim on inside of closet
       - seal kitchen tile
       - finish painting 3rd floor windows
       - and more...including larger items such as installing a gas fireplace and landscaping the back yard.


Caring for the house is never really done. It's a process... sometimes we find a working rhythm and we make good progress. But when we'd rather relax, or when we get busy with other things in life, it takes PERSEVERANCE and intentionality to finish the work.


Isn't that just the way it is with our spiritual house? Sometimes I hit a season where I seem to feel more spiritually alive; God speaks and it is easier to see growth. Other times, I find it difficult to get into a regular rhythm of Bible reading, prayer and worship. It takes PERSEVERANCE during those times. Caring for the house is never really done. It's a process and a journey.

"Father God, give me more strength for this season. I want to see new growth; feel new life. I ask for more grace to complete the tasks you give me to do each day. And I am thankful that you are walking with me on the journey. Amen."

PERSEVERANCE: steady persistance in a course of action, especially in spite of difficulties or discouragement; Continuance in a state of grace to the end. 


James 1:4
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

I'll PERSEVERE in caring for the house and provide you with pictures in the coming days. Until then...