2008 has been ‘The Year of the Roof”, at least on our block. Numerous houses have had their roofs replaced since the June downpour and floods. (See ‘Good Hands, My Foot’ and ‘Covered or Clean?’ blogs below) I am assuming that the houses on our block were built mostly around the same time, about 30 years ago. Those 30-year shingles are extremely accurate.
In the last four years since we bought our house we have finished off the basement, re-carpeted, put in ceramic tile (it feels like 1,000 sq. feet of it), redone walls and ceilings and bathrooms, and painted everything, some rooms twice. It’s a lot of work to fix up, and keep up a home.
Our daughter Shawna said today, ‘I don’t think I ever want to own a house. It’s too expensive, and too much work.” Amen and Amen. Of course, over the long haul and in a decent real estate market, (not like now) owning a home can be a good investment tool, to build equity and provide for retirement.
Jesus talked about houses. At the end of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7 he said,
“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Matthew 7:24-25
If we are those who follow and obey the words of Jesus, building our house on the rock, we still have to maintain the house. The rock is fine, it’s not going anywhere, but the house is another story. All those years of rain and wind and floods takes a toll on a home. Over time it develops cracks. The roof wears out, taking the brunt of the rain and wind. (If I had been standing outside for 30 years in Milwaukee, I wouldn’t look too good either). All houses eventually need to be repainted. Cracked windows need replacing and the garage door fixed.
Trust me. I know these things, both as a home owner, and one who has built his spiritual house on the Rock. Sometimes we don’t appreciate it when a loved one points out our cracks. But, they only mean to help. Many times they can see what we cannot.
What do you need to maintain in your spiritual house today? Is your integrity cracked? Your purity have a leak? Is your patience worn thin or do you need a fresh coat of love or compassion? May is National Home Improvement Month. I have some things that can’t wait that long…my roof, for one. That’s getting replaced this weekend. There are areas of spiritual upkeep that need attention, too. Let’s get to work so our house doesn’t deteriorate and end up costing us more in the long run.
Oh, and if you notice any cracks in me, I’d really appreciate it if you’d point them out. . . in love. We’re all in this together.
Enjoying the Journey,
David
In the last four years since we bought our house we have finished off the basement, re-carpeted, put in ceramic tile (it feels like 1,000 sq. feet of it), redone walls and ceilings and bathrooms, and painted everything, some rooms twice. It’s a lot of work to fix up, and keep up a home.
Our daughter Shawna said today, ‘I don’t think I ever want to own a house. It’s too expensive, and too much work.” Amen and Amen. Of course, over the long haul and in a decent real estate market, (not like now) owning a home can be a good investment tool, to build equity and provide for retirement.
Jesus talked about houses. At the end of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7 he said,
“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Matthew 7:24-25
If we are those who follow and obey the words of Jesus, building our house on the rock, we still have to maintain the house. The rock is fine, it’s not going anywhere, but the house is another story. All those years of rain and wind and floods takes a toll on a home. Over time it develops cracks. The roof wears out, taking the brunt of the rain and wind. (If I had been standing outside for 30 years in Milwaukee, I wouldn’t look too good either). All houses eventually need to be repainted. Cracked windows need replacing and the garage door fixed.Trust me. I know these things, both as a home owner, and one who has built his spiritual house on the Rock. Sometimes we don’t appreciate it when a loved one points out our cracks. But, they only mean to help. Many times they can see what we cannot.
What do you need to maintain in your spiritual house today? Is your integrity cracked? Your purity have a leak? Is your patience worn thin or do you need a fresh coat of love or compassion? May is National Home Improvement Month. I have some things that can’t wait that long…my roof, for one. That’s getting replaced this weekend. There are areas of spiritual upkeep that need attention, too. Let’s get to work so our house doesn’t deteriorate and end up costing us more in the long run.
Oh, and if you notice any cracks in me, I’d really appreciate it if you’d point them out. . . in love. We’re all in this together.
Enjoying the Journey,
David
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