REST

At the start of this whole project I knew we needed to set boundaries. So we purposed to only work one night of the week (Wednesday)...it's about all we could give combined with other obligations to work, church and family. Then on the weekends we could work on the house only if/when our other work at home was finished. We held quite strictly to this and it guarded us from stress and worry. In spite of giving only marginal time, our contractor has been saying he's amazed at how much has been accomplished. When we worked, we worked hard. But when it was time to quit, we were able to leave the tasks behind in order to concentrate on other things.

And now it is vacation time. Only God knew how much we would need this vacation. When we planned our family trip to Europe about a year and half ago, we had no idea we would be in the midst of this renovation project. We are all looking forward to some fun family time together.

And while we are gone, work will continue. 

It is good to tend to family relationships; to stay healthy by resting in the midst of work; to set aside time to play and laugh. Tomorrow will come and it will be a new day. Take some time today or this week to rest from your work. Set boundaries for yourself to keep stress and worry away. Enjoy the moment.

God, thank you for the rhythms of life. Help me to be a good steward of the time you have given me. I choose to trust you with each moment of my day. Guard my heart and mind from worry and stress. Thank you for the many blessings you have given me. I ask for your peace. Amen.

 But I trust in You, O Lord. I say, "You are my God." My times are in your hands...Psalm 31

INSULATION

 This past weekend was a turning point in the renovation project. Demolition is finished and Keith and I spent a full two days putting insulation in the exterior walls and in the ceiling of the second floor. It truly was a task that took some perseverance and resolve to complete.

We worked til noon...not feeling as though we were getting very far at all. The weather outside was so lovely. We had the windows wide open, the sun was shining and the birds were singing. And we were stuck inside with a tedious task... getting hot and itchy in our long sleeve shirts... wearing stuffy masks...

 

Finally lunch time came and we gave ourselves permission to take a break. The shining sun and cool breezes drew us outside. We enjoyed a sandwich on the steps and roamed around the overgrown yard simply enjoying the day. It didn't take long before I was pulling out weeds and Keith hauled out the lawn mower. We would much rather be tending the yard work on a day like this!

As usual, I was having a conversation with God in my head while working. Two words came to mind..."insulation" and "weeds". Hmmmmm. What little nugget might I learn from this? Here is what God spoke to me: "It is good to work on INSULATION. I need to insulate my life from things at times. It is for my protection. But so often I am distracted...by weeds. And instead of doing the hard work of "insulating" myself with God's Word and spiritual disciplines, I fill my days with tending the weeds; following trailing vines and neglecting the necessary task at hand."

Soon, back inside we went. We had a job to do and a deadline to meet. After two eleven-hour days of work, the insulation was completed! We celebrated with some high fives and happy hearts.

These couple days taught me the importance of disciplining myself to stay on task and not to get distracted. I want my spiritual life to be the same. 

"Lord, help me stay on the path that you have called me to. I don't want to wander or fill my time with things not of you. Keep me strong and steady. Guard my mind and my heart."

 Therefore, stand firm. Let nothing move you. 

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, 

because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 

1 Corinthians 15:58

HOSPITALITY

I am thankful for friends and family. Many have showed up at the doorstep of this big old house...some just out of curiosity, others want to get their hands dirty and help with the work. No matter the reason, all are welcome. 

Sharing a meal together in the midst of a long work day...provided by my thoughtful mother.

My mother and sister wanted to help remove wallpaper...good laughs and catching up with the news in each others lives made the evening fun.

I like the gate at the side of the house..."come on in!"

One of the words that God keeps speaking to me about this house is HOSPITALITY. I have several "pictures" in my mind concerning events and gatherings which I hope will take place in this house someday. Each picture involves lots of people. The rooms are large enough for entertaining and I have been keeping this in mind as I design the flow of the rooms and placement of furniture. I'm looking forward to meeting neighbors and making new friends, hosting parties and celebrations, as well as providing space for Bible study and prayer groups. We will have plenty of room for overnight guests too. There is even space enough on the third floor for persons who might need a place to live for longer periods of time. I am honored to have been entrusted with this property and desire for it to be a blessing to every person who enters.

I found this concept in Scripture...

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer HOSPITALITY to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms..."  1 Peter 4:8-10

This is one of the great blessings of HOSPITALITY. God's grace can flow through us when we entertain others and share our lives. I am trusting God to use me/us in this way...for His glory!