The last time I shared (translate whined) about the mess our house is in, ENan and I were facing a complete renovation of our kitchen. Since then, the saga has grown into a full-scale epic adventure. Tearing up the floor revealed pipes that need replacing. While inspecting the pipes under the house, the plumber noticed the toilet in a bathroom at the other end of the house was about to fall through the floor. Taking down upper cabinets in the kitchen exposed mold and mildew from leaks in the roof. While having the roof repaired, we discovered fascia boards that need replacing. In order to get to the fascia boards, we had to have most of the shrubs taken down from around the house. Since we were having shrubs cut down, we felt it was prudent to have some trees cut down as well.
Needless to say, we have been busy looking at cabinets, countertops, sinks, faucets, appliances, lighting fixtures, drawer handles and toilets. I never knew there were so many options of devices to wash your hands – or your backside. (Did you know they make toilets that cost $10,000?)
As the scope of our project grew, ENan and I felt overwhelmed. We have never had to make the decisions we are now facing. Fortunately, we have a friend who does this kind of stuff for a living. Our friend offered to help us and said, “I will hold your hand and walk you through the whole thing. It will be alright!” She has been our guide and our shepherd for this journey. She has been invaluable in making appointments with the right people and steering us toward the best options. She has helped us avoid some pitfalls before we ever got to them. She has kept us calm.
There are times when our spiritual house needs repair as well. The Bible affirms that we are a “temple of the Holy Spirit.” When we neglect to care for this temple, our spiritual house can fall into disrepair. Fortunately, we have someone to help us. “The Lord will guide you always… Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls.” (Isaiah 58:11-12)
The Greek word for Holy Spirit is “paraclete,” which means “one who walks beside.” God is always there to walk beside us, no matter what mess we are in.
-Dr. Jim Baldwin
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