Unless the Lord

A few folks have asked for a bit of an update on our house build so here are some pictures as of Sunday afternoon.

Ken was my model to help get an idea of size. The porch, especially, is much bigger than I anticipated, even though it completely complies with our design measurements. There's an overhang right at the front to make for a pleasant place to sit in good weather. And also along the side so we can stay dry unloading groceries or just simply getting into the house.

Inside things also feel bigger than anticipated. We're pretty sure it's because the two main space-making design features we asked for, those being the vaulted ceiling and the longer, then extra windows at the peak, are doing exactly what we hoped for. Our humble 625 square feet look and feel like a lot more.

Yesterday we were able to do a re-measuring of the kitchen space and are feeling more and more confident of the decision to forego a built-in cupboard plan and assemble an 'eclectic' country kitchen out of furniture we already own, enhanced by a few purchased features. Going for a farm-style apron sink and a butcherblock style counter. I'm especially happy that we have the perfect spot for the antique tea trolley that will not only add to the ambiance, but be quite pragmatic in its ability to open up to a small table.

It's kind of hard to get a sense of the bathroom in pictures at this point. Especially with the sink covered up to protect it from the construction that still has to be done in there. But it, too, is bigger than I expected. Those mirrored doors open up to a recessed medicine cupboard, also designed on purpose, to reclaim some empty space between the walls.

I hope the pictures give a sense of how bright it is. All of this was taken with no lights on (electricity should be in by end of the week) and on a dull day. And I include here a shot out the front kitchen window, just to give a perspective of our placement on the property and the proximity to our son David's house.

Today is a loud and messy day. They are coming into the existing house with a jack hammer to dig through the cement in the basement and make the plumbing connections with the city lines. I have escaped to the church to work for at least the morning.

And so. Right now. Despite the delays last spring when our house on Blythwood didn't sell as quickly as we'd hoped, and then other important check points seemed delayed, at this point in the game things are moving along quite quickly. We are still being given a January 11 possession date, and even holding that loosely. Anything can happen during a construction project. Still, it's great to be able to go in almost any time we want to...and measure and plan and dream.

Because of our 'front row seat' advantage, I frequently go down to the double glass doors and just stand and watch the contractors do their thing. And I pray over our home.

I pray Psalm 127:1-2 over our home.

"Unless the LORD builds the house,

its builders labour in vain.

Unless the LORD watches over the city,

the watchmen stand guard in vain.

In vain you rise early and stay up late,

toiling for food to eat --

for He grants sleep to those He loves."

There's a whole lot more in just those two verses than I'll unpack here, the reference to anxious work notwithstanding. For right now, let's just say that these are good words for me to ruminate on in this ongoing experience of trusting God's timing and purpose when it comes to something as basic as where you lay your head at night.

On, then, into the week ahead.
Loving where this Advent is taking me.
Happy Monday all.