I’ve been hot and heavy on the home search these last couple of weeks. Truly, I’ve looked at no less than 200 properties! Incredible! You’d think I would have found one house that would suit our needs, and to be honest, I probably could have. There were a handful that we really liked. However, each one had something significantly wrong attached to it. For instance, we loved one home that was built in the 20’s, in a beautiful old neighborhood, but they were asking way too much for a home that needed significant remodeling. Or, there was the perfect new-construction home backing to a freeway that, already loud, was set to expand in the next year. Or, another beautiful new construction home that sat on a fabulous looking lot, but had what appeared to be a stagnant cesspool right in the middle of it. Can you say drainage nightmare? I think you get the picture. So, Hubs and I have finally come to an agreement that we need to find a lot and build.
We have built one other home, and let’s just say that it was NOT a pleasant experience. The house had one thing after another wrong with it, once we moved in, starting with a flooded basement during the first two weeks of our occupancy. It went downhill from there. We learned a lot from that experience that we will take with us into this new venture. We know what questions to ask up front and what to be on top of during the process to ensure a positive and long-lasting result.
With this opportunity laid out before me and a blank piece of graph paper beckoning my imagination to run wild, I can’t help but think about the lives we build. Certainly we are filled to the brim with great ideas and plans, but do we just run out and start pouring cement ourselves, or do we entrust those ideas and plans to an Architect that understands how something lasting should be built? Sadly, I can think of more than one occasion when I’ve run ahead. Trust me when I tell you that the foundation that I laid on my own was NOT long-lasting or structurally sound!
“I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:47-49 NIV
Melinda, You gave me a lot to think about! Blessings, Faye
Great analogy! I, too, have run ahead (more often than I care to admit). As I’ve aged, “obedience” comes much, much easier … probably because of the bruises and scars (aka wisdom) that remind me that HIS plan is always better than mine!
We’ve built 5 homes and loved every one of them (but not always the process). I’ll be praying for you, especially when it comes to door knobs and light fixtures. 🙂
Kathleen
Melinda,
The message that I consider to be my “hallmark” message when I speak is about our legacy as Christian women and it asks many of these same questions. As a matter of fact, I am doing it this weekend when I speak to a ladies spring event.
Building a house is a huge job. We built the one we live in and I’m not sure I’d do it again. Lots of decisions and before the end you just want it OVER. Good luck
Leah
How exciting about the house! I think that is just great. This message hit home and has given me much to think about. Lots of stuff going on over on this end.
Miss you my friend!
Preach it Sister, preach it!
I can’t tell you how many times I ran ahead of God….thank You Lord that my heart was softened and continues to be softened, may I never return to a hard-headed and heard-hearted woman.
LOVE YOU!
Great Post.
Ask, Seek, Knock! God is so gracious to Answer!
When Scripture says Nimrod was a “mighty hunter before the Lord”, it’s not joking. He ran ahead of God and is known for it. Father, help me to be patient and wait on You. Unless You build the house, it’s all in vain.
Girl — that is a message for me! As you know, much is changing in my life and I’m in a building stage. And I am seeking His face so that I do build on a ROCK.
Miss you like mad~
So beautiful Melinda. So true. I need Him as my foundation in EVERYTHING I do.
I love ya. I’m going to pray with you during this exciting time. 🙂
Big hugs,
Fran
Melinda:
You make a very interesting and true parallel.
When I run ahead of God, I find myself very, very tired.