Focus

Thanks for your patience - I have a few minutes to write this post now.

Last Thursday morning, John and I tackled putting the smaller windows in the tower portion of our house. It was just us and we were a little bit nervous to figure out exactly how we were going to do it - especially when we got to the second and third floor windows.

We started at the ground (for obvious reasons) and determined our plan. As the ladders went higher and the further we had to climb, the more we had to concentrate and focus on the task in front of us. We had to fix our eyes and our minds on nothing else.

Interestingly enough, as we traversed the tower, the weather started to become a distraction. At first, a gentle breeze started that complicated the situation. Then, it started to drizzle - just a little, but enough to cause us some concern.

At one point, John looked nervous (for my sake, I'm sure) and wondered if we should try it ourselves. I reminded him that it was the same window, same process we had been doing - that nothing had really changed except for the height (ok, and the weather) .... so we proceeded. We were able to successfully finish installing the remaining windows in the tower.

This can apply to our lives, too. We are fine on the "ground" level - everything is going well, life is easy. It is easy to fix our eyes on the Lord and follow Him. Then ... the weather hits - circumstances happen that distract us - pulling our eyes away from following Him. For one reason or another and we find ourselves in desperation. But, if we fix our eyes on Jesus, our desperation can change to hope and faith. The circumstances may not change immediately or just how we would like them to change, but we can cling to the hope that we have in Him.

Hebrews 12:2-3
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.


John's turn up the ladder


John stapling down some of the paper that had come loose in the wind.


My turn - what fun!


Nailing the top of the window


Updated picture with windows.


Front showing windows

We have had very spring-like weather ... as in lots of rain. I haven't had a chance to take pictures when the sun is shining.

More updates from progress on Saturday and some fun pictures of my orchid next time ...