Over My Head

Written on June 25, 2010

Today started off very noisy, but by noon, we had a new roof on our house.  It gives me joy to see it and to know that we are protected with lovely shingles with a lifetime warranty, but it is even more joyful to reflect on all the life that has gone on under that roof.  Our five children have grown up here and are now beginning to bring their own children to rejoice with us under this roof.  Under this roof we have been protected from the storms and stress of life, both physically, and most especially, spiritually.  It gives me joy to think of all that has happened here and all that will yet happen, all under new Georgetown Grey, high definition shingles.  It is a metaphor for the love of God that has surrounded us, blessed us and protected us for so many years. 

Pride, Joy, and Roofing Materials

Written on June 23, 2010

Today I had a choked up joyful moment as I watched Peter carry out a very loyal act for one of his friends.  Pete showed persistance, compassion, and maturity far beyond his tender age of 14, and I had a glimpse of the man he is becoming.  That was joy.

I also tried to have the joyful luxury of a short nap, as I get pretty tired after working out.  As usual, just as I stretched out and fell asleep, I was interrupted and never got to doze.  That's OK, though; the interruption was the delivery of 180 bundles of new shingles that will be put on our house on Friday.  It was pretty cool to see them get hoisted up on the roof by a huge crane.  Much cooler than a nap would have been. 

2 Things Unrelated

Written on June 22, 2010

What I did for love ended up in what I did for joy, which is often the way it is.  If you haven't tried it, you haven't experienced the challenge of gluten free baking.  You see, gluten is the protein that holds wheat together.  Remove that, and well, it's a challenge.  This evening I successfully made a yummy batch of chewy cookies for Wayne.  It was a triumph, as many of my gluten free efforts have not been as fortunate.  The joyful part is watching Wayne sneaking back into the kitchen for another treat.  Yes, I notice as each cookie disappears. 

As an unrelated piece of joy, I just ordered a pair of rocking chairs for our new front porch.  If you've been following that saga, you know that it has been long and very frustrating.  But, the end is in sight, and at last, it's time to get the chairs.  The next step will be the 5 hanging baskets of flowers that I will need.  That will wait until next week when Cox Farms begins its annual 50% off sale.  Expect more joyful notes as I peacefully rock and enjoy the blooms on our lovely new porch.  Ah, I can hardly wait.  What will make it even better is when the grandchildren visit and find their way into our laps as we rock.  Now that is is joy.