How does one begin to decide on things when there are so many things on which to decide? Which direction does one take? Sometimes the decisions are 'simple' ones. By simple, I mean relevant to the 'day to day', the simple, the 'important but not so important' aspects of life; things that loom over us, but will not make or break us. Some things require no thought because they just must be done whether we want to do them or we don't. Such has been my life for the last months ~ water heater, well pump; these are things over which we have no choice. Do you want water or not; do you want to shower with cold water? You see - not too much choice there.
Remember, I am not fond of change - let me say it more clearly "I hate change!". Some people thrive on change, I recoil from most change. Some changes are wonderful; most not so wonderful!
Our growth within our new church family has been wonderful. We are meeting new people and reconnecting with people we've known but lost track of for years. We are enjoying being active again in a place that is a true light in a dark world. We are growing in our faith, growing closer to a God that we love. I am looking forward to hosting a ladies' small group later this month and to all that God has planned for that group. See, some change is good! Going beyond what you think are your limitations allows God's work in your life to be seen; afterall, you would not be doing this or that without His leading, would you?
Now here is an example of 'not so good' change. First, the ECONOMY has not CHANGED (at least not for the better), but our roof needs to the CHANGED. As winter approaches (possibly quickly; remember we are in the Poconos), we are hit with this realization. What a surprise - we only built this house twenty years ago, so why would we consider needing a new roof? Well, Joe (the husband I won't change) went onto the roof to install Gutter Brushes (a really cool invention and another 'good' change) and while cleaning off the roof, pieces of it were landing on the deck - small almost powder-like pieces at first, but maybe that was just caused by the blower, but then some 'not so small' chunks. So much for blaming it on the blower. Well now the race is on to find a really good roofer with a good, fair priced product so that we can have this done before winter really hits us. Remind you, we are not prepared for this change (since it is "big bucks" and not "small change"). So it begins, the interviews and estimates. Roofer "A" is considerably more expensive than we thought (but then we did not know how much a roof costs:); we'd only checked Lowe's, so our knowledge came strickly from product cost and guessing). Ok,so Roofer "A" gives us a 'reasonable estimate' for a 'standard' roof and even threw in new gutters (is that a good or bad thing?). Roofer "B" is even considerably more expensive than Roofer "A", but he "customized" the products so that it appears we get the very best of price and quality for our needs; but then, no new gutters (is that a good or bad thing?). Are the gutters a gimmick or is Roofer "B" too expensive? Roofer "B" also estimated 200sf more than Roofer "A", so who is right? Does Joe have to climb up and measure it himself? Oh well, Roofer "C" is coming tomorrow morning and then we'll be completely confused.
I'm beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed. The decision to host the ladies' small group seems like a 'piece of cake' compared to the decisions to be made about this roof. As I ponder this, I realize that one is easier to do than the other for a simple reason ~ in the first instance, I am putting my trust in God for the decision; for the second, I am trusting in my(our) knowledge (or lack of knowledge) to make the decision. This leads me to Proverbs 3:5&6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths".
Now I remember (oh you silly girl). . .the smallest amount of God's wisdom far outweighs all the knowledge we could possibly accumulate through 3 or even 300 estimates. Pray and trust; that is what I hear my God saying to me. Thank you, Lord for Your direction! But, Lord, I still really don't like change!
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