This Old House, the continuing saga…

Our house is a hybrid of the do-it-yourself series, This Old House, and the hilarious movie from the 1980’s, The Money Pit.  Never mind that my kitchen is probably from the 1950’s; we are evidently concentrating on the outside for the time being.  At this writing, our fairly large free-standing garage is being resided to match the main house we re-sided not too long ago.  A few months ago we had a friend put in a brand new concrete front walk, which necessarily included two sets of steps (we live on a small slope.)  He’ll be out later for the back steps and the driveway.

Try cooking a Thanksgiving dinner in a 1950’s kitchen.  At least I don’t have to tote water from the well or bank the fire on the stove…a few steps up from that.  Always something to be thankful for. 

Anyway, the new siding (doors, etc) will look nice.  And the new walkway out front looks R-E-A-L-L-Y nice, actually makes the whole property more attractive.  Plus, the mailman has less chance of turning his ankle, not a small investment, that.

It may be obvious at this point that Bob and I are not particularly DYI-ers.  I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s with traditional “home-ec”, so I can sew and cook and iron, but I’m a bit dangerous with a chainsaw.  And Bob, he doesn’t really care to try.  That’s okay though; I just figure we’re helping the local economy, and we can be productive members of society in our own ways.

I am so thankful, however, for those who can do what we cannot to make our house more inviting (and safe).  Most importantly, as a Christian, it’s needful to consider that my property, (as with all of my possessions of money, time, talent, relationships), ultimately exists to honor God.

Now there’s an old-fashioned concept: HONOR.  Not mere praise, as words are cheap.  But honor.  Does my crumbling and unsafe sidewalk speak of God’s goodness and provision?  Not particularly.  But was I able to fix it myself?  Hah!

So enter our friend, Dave.  And talk about beee-U-tiful work!  The main thought here is that Dave’s excellent gift allowed me to honor my Lord through my property, my house, more appropriately.

The point?  If I am sincere in my desire to honor my Creator, I must acknowledge the need for His creation, His people, to help me get the job done in my own “house” (my soul) and my own “property” (my life, decisions, thinking, doing.)  Honoring God is not a DYI project, and was never intended to be.  Yes, God gave me Himself in the persons of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, AND (we like to conveniently forget this part) also His people, the church. 

Dave made a mess while he was constructing the front walk, but guess what?  He and his crew also cleaned up after themselves.  So I refuse to be afraid (or impatient) with the mess—God has plenty of clean up available.

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

Now if I can just be more patient for my kitchen….

Hebrews 10:25,26  Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.