DEATH

DEATH. Quite a different theme for this blog. I'm all about life and encouragement. But into everyone's life comes a time to think about the unpleasant, the inevitable and the reality of DEATH. Death stinks....literally.


This week as I entered our master bathroom, there was a strange odor. Because I was collecting dirty laundry, I thought perhaps someone's clothing was exceptionally in need of cleaning. But later in the evening as I went into the bathroom to dress for bed, the truth was revealed. There is DEATH behind our walls somewhere!


Now I have to admit it came as no surprise. In the past months we've heard some sort of critter scratching around sporadically in the ceiling. And there are lots of squirrels in our back yard. I distinctly remember during the demolition stage finding a storehouse of walnuts in the walls of this old house. Perhaps the squirrels came back for their treasures.


So currently our lovely master bathroom stinks. We keep the door closed and the window cracked open. In addition, inside the wall is the sound of one (hopefully only one) frustrated critter, scratching and clawing at the studs and inner workings of the wall. It's the wall that divides two sanctuaries...my bathroom (where I prepare and clean myself physically) and my study (where I prepare and clean myself spiritually). DEATH is disturbing the peace around here.


What an amazing allegory this is for me today! God speaks in all things...even DEATH. 


I mentioned to my husband not too long ago that it feels like something inside of me is dying. Since taking on a full time job I've not had time to create and work on things that bring me life. In addition, my new job is more about numbers, files, forms and rules of compliance; there is little space for creativity and interaction. I'm giving it my best shot at learning a new field and serving my co-workers. I am trusting God to show me his purposes for me in this new role.


But in the mean time I will transparently admit the DEATH that I am feeling. It stinks. My peace is disturbed in the morning especially as I have to dress and prepare myself for going off to work instead of having more time to stay home and "care for the house". Even personal quiet time with the Lord is affected by this DEATH. There is less inspiration and less time for dwelling in his Word. During this season of DEATH, I find myself longing for more of the LIFE he has for me. I long for the peace he gives.

Father God, today I ask for revelation. Show me how to live in the midst of death. I ask for your peace today in the midst of difficulty and frustration. Carry away the affects of death and breathe the sweet aroma of peace into my soul. I need you. Amen.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Matt 11:28-30

(still no pictures...but soon. In this season of time, the work that is being done is unseen. But the results of the unseen work will be evident in time.)

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...