TIME

Good things take TIME ...at least that's what we're often told when we find ourselves in the midst of trying circumstances, or in the midst of a project that is taking too long to complete. Patience and perseverance are character traits that are difficult for us to develop in a culture that prizes instant everything.

Since the end of July, when I last wrote, the focus of much my TIME has been on the completion of an outdoor space for this house. We spent over a year working inside and now it is TIME for some outside renovation. I drew a picture of the vision I had for this outdoor space on a piece of paper. We took measurements and counted the cost. The project was a big one. 
March 2011...

 August 2011...

 And in July 2012...After educating ourselves about laying patios, building stone walls, we started shopping for the needed materials: flagstone, gravel, stone dust, tampers, chisels, etc. The work began...

 The materials were literally dumped in the back yard. We wondered what we were getting ourselves in for; did we really know what we were doing? How long will this take?

 Digging out 400 square feet of yard was work! We persevered and encouraged each other through it. Because the contour of the land was so uneven, some places we had to dig down 16 inches while other places it was only six inches. Level lines were drawn and followed carefully.

 Finally, the day came when we could begin laying the flagstones. It was like putting a giant jigsaw puzzle together.

 The old original brick walkway sank into the ground over the years. It created a sort of water channel towards our house whenever it rained. We pulled up all the bricks and laid a better foundation, reusing the bricks to create a new path from the house to our parking area.

 This is one of my favorite spots to spend TIME reading, reflecting and enjoying meals together at the table.

And just yesterday we added some plants...
 

 TIME...yes, this good thing took time. And hard work. But the reward is wonderful. I look forward to enjoying this space in the future. But for now, we prepare for another season ... autumn and winter. TIME keeps moving. 

I want to make the most of the TIME I have been given. Seasons change, and with each season new opportunities to enjoy what we have. I want to be a person with patience and perseverance to complete what is before me; a person who encourages others in their tasks; a person who finds peace knowing that TIME is in the Father's hands.

"Lord, help me to stay strong in You knowing that TIME is in your hands. I want to be a faithful steward of all You have given me. Don't let me run ahead. Thank you for this moment. Thank you for today."

But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying "You are my God!" My future is in your hands... Psalm 31:14