House, Home, Heaven

I believe it was Mrs. Collins who says, "Oh Lizzy, it's such a pleasure to run one's own home." I don't think I fully appreciated that statement until just a few years ago. When we started out, like most couples, there was the apartment. We had registered, received gifts and had an idea of how we wanted our place to look. Then wake up to realize you can't afford your own taste and begin the art of "making things work". It's funny how in the beginning, the focus is on how things look. After being in our current home for almost 8 years, the focus is now how things work. I remember purchasing a cutlery tray for a drawer, only to realize once we moved in, that we didn't have a single full size kitchen drawer to put it in. Our next move in the progression of real estate was to a Condo (needed room in order to consider having children). I now covet that second bath that we rarely used. So... second round of setting up house, had definite colors in mind, new what improvements would be down the line, and thoroughly enjoyed DIY projects. So many memories in that place... began to understand the meaning of "home", sweet fellowship with friends, and the births of Braden, then Ethan 18 months later (oh... the stories of carrying a sleeping toddler, baby in a carrier, diaper bag & groceries from garage in back of units to our unit upstairs in the front). Those were the "Super Mom" years. Believe me, I don't give myself that title. It's just that I look back and think how? But God... He is faithful to give what is needed for the moment... my moments often required strength... then rest:) Speaking of a toddler, he liked balls. More specifically, throwing balls off our balcony. When we saw he began to attempt to retrieve said ball, we knew we had outgrown our space. Third move required a yard, so we found a little place with big outdoor space. It was during those crazy real estate years. I would be sent to look at homes (only drive-by mind you), and by the time I called to say we wanted to see inside of this and that... they would be sold! It got to the point that I'd drive up, call Dan, say "well... it looks like it might be ok... let's make an offer"-without going inside. Both Dan & I have a pair of "rose-colored glasses". We had so much fun, and still do, making this house our home. A friend pointed out how she loved my tent trailer-everything had a purpose & a place. Then it hit me, I had embraced IT'S smallness and made it work, but not my house. From then on, I asked the Lord to show me how to embrace our small space. It's amazing how He helps me make the most of every square inch. Our space now also houses our daughter, Olivia and our dog, Clover. Even though there are times it feels like our house is bursting at the seams, it is what grounds us and gives us an eternal perspective. John 14 : 1-3