Yesterday afternoon I heeded the call of the breeze through our quaking aspen tree, escaping the noise of hammers above and around me, the sound of progress as our roof is replaced and our house undergoes its makeover. Gathering a bottle of water, a notebook and pencil, and my cell phone, I ducked out of the house and made my way to our backyard deck. It was a most wonderful June afternoon, full of abundant sunshine and empty of high humidity. You’ve seen photos of the backyard deck, photos usually taken through a window to capture images of the delightful wildlife that flies, scurries, or strolls up to snack on sunflower seeds, take a dip in the birdbath, or drink from the same.
Yes, birds also visit the feeder, a variety of birds, red cardinals, black birds, blue jays, goldfinches, occasional crows.
We’re told that the deck was constructed to hold a playhouse for a previous owner’s daughter. For us, it’s more of a focal point, not a spot where we spend time. That old blue chair named Alvin is an heirloom, not a seat, named Alvin after my husband’s Uncle Alvin who spent many hours in the metal chair many decades ago. Alvin has been painted green, red, blue, and probably other colors through the years as he has been passed along from Dave’s parents to his oldest sister and then to us.
When I want to sit and read or write outside, it’s the deck off of our kitchen that I choose, the one I have called my favorite room, the one that was being renovated by our builders yesterday while roofers worked to nail fancy new asphalt shingles in place, shingles with a fifty year guarantee. That ought to do.
I took this photo from the backyard deck, while relaxing in the heirloom chair, admiring the new look of the back of our house, wondering why that man was standing on the top part of the roof with a pole in his hand, feeling impressed and terrified by the whole process of replacing our steep roof, a process that has been bathed in my prayers for the safety of all of the men who have been working for us.
I was thankful that the weather was clear and comfortable for the crew and thoroughly enjoyed the breeze and the occasional bird songs accompanying the sounds of construction. My presence on the deck, of course, kept the usual visitors at a distance. They would have been disappointed to find the feeder empty anyway.
After calling my mom to catch up on the week’s news, I did manage to fill that blank notebook page with some thoughts before our neighborhood paper carrier, empty newspaper bag over his shoulder, paused at the deck for a visit before heading home. He’s the same young man who took in last summer’s solar eclipse with me, an intriguing young man who faithfully does his job, honors his family, and talks of potential and energy held deep inside, waiting for opportunity and courage to step into adulthood. It was a good conversation that would not have happened had I not ventured outside. We’ll talk again soon.
Returning to the house, I discovered with delight that our postman had delivered a package meant for our next door neighbor. My delight was in the opportunity to take the package to their front door and inquire about his wife’s recovery from a surgery this week. She, also, has been in my prayers, and I have cringed to think of how the noise might be disturbing her rest. They insisted I come in, sit down, talk about goings on in our neighborhood and the challenges and victories in our lives. These visits are too few and far between, but I am thankful for when they happen, thankful that she’s doing well, and thankful for an opportunity to offer my help if needed. I slipped back over to our house just before son Kyle drove up after his day in the office.
At 7 a.m. this morning, as I stood in my upstairs bathroom blow drying my hair, I noticed the reflection of a man just outside the window! The hardworking roofers were back for day three, and I was thankful to have slept well, showered, and dressed prior to their arrival! I expressed in April that I was a bit anxious about dealing with the distraction and disruption that this house project would bring. There have been challenges to be sure, but I have been pleased to meet and work with our guys and am truly grateful for their expertise and work, as well as for my husband’s diligence in providing this beautiful home for our family.
God’s presence and blessings in our lives gives us a taste of Paradise, even in the midst of imperfection, inconvenience, and inconceivable pain. I read in yesterday’s newspaper about the tragic results of a major volcano eruption in Guatemala. How could it be that I enjoyed such a sweet afternoon in June while others suffered so? While my house receives its renovations, others’ are wiped away. I prayed that our small donation to World Vision would be multiplied by God to provide help and hope to many, remembering that the things of this life are temporary. Even fifty year shingles will wear out, and we will be gone before they do.
This week, a couple of successful and admired celebrities’ lives have ended tragically, leaving folks wondering how to prevent the kind of hopelessness that leads to suicide.
There was a dying criminal, crucified with Jesus, who put his faith in the Son of God and was assured that he would be in Paradise that day. You can read about it HERE. I have put my hope in Jesus, not in the things of this world, for “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Mark 8:36