Photo Credit: whatwillmatter.com

We have worked hard the past 3 weeks doing more home renovations at Barefoot Cabin than we have ever done before. It has been a dream come true for us, but it has also been a

s-t-r-e-t-c-h

in every sense of the word!

• We’ve had disagreements over how to accomplish the same goal.
• We’ve argued about stupid things.
• We’ve complained.
• We’ve said things to hurt the other.
• We’ve apologized.
• We’ve forgiven.
• We’ve roasted marshmallows.
• We’ve welcomed family and friends to see our progress.
• We’ve done life together.
• We’ve had our regular date night.
• We’ve cried and embraced.
• We’ve ascended and descended a ladder so many times that our muscles are screaming to stop!
• We’ve covered all the hunter green walls. 🙂
• We’ve taken lots of pictures!
• We’ve actually used a pick ax for the first time to plant several plants given to us by friends and family. This is needed because of the thousands of rocks buried under the soil.

From the outside it can look like this project has been a breeze. It hasn’t been. We have struggled with uncertainty, wondering if what we’re doing and if how we’re going about it is the right way. We’ve prayed and asked God to lead us through the unknowns.

He has.

Today we’re heading home. Although we are leaving a part of our story behind in Banner Elk, North Carolina, it’s not the place where God has called us to live life. Orlando is home. Metro Life Church is our family. While we’ve been gone, two of our dear friends have left this world. Another is soon to follow–we may not make it home in time to say our good-bye to her. My childhood church (Powers Drive Baptist) celebrated its 50th homecoming anniversary. I wish I could have gone, but I know I would have missed my Mom and Dad terribly at the gathering.

Life and death are certain, and with each death there is a sadness of what we will no longer share together in this life. This makes me appreciate all the more the NOW we’ve been given.

In only 3 weeks so much has changed. But I’ve realized it’s all good. 

Even the disagreements have proven to draw us closer to each other and to God. What a blessing it is to make it to the other side of trouble. Many jump ship in the middle of the turbulent waters only to be stuck in the tempest forever. It’s better by far to deal with the high seas and wait for the calm that is sure to follow. And you know what? The calm that follows is better than the calm you had before the storm hit!

What changes is your marriage going through right now? Can you look back these past 3 weeks and see positive changes? What choices could you make today to effect your answer to this questions 3 weeks from today?