Weekly Update: 2.17.24
The snow twirled in the wind beyond our windows, providing a dramatic backdrop to a routine day of framing. It is surreal to stand in a room you built, looking through windows you installed yourself. I watched the snow, sipping a mug of chai tea while James Taylor's Greatest Hits played in the background. It is small moments like that one, charged with blessing and plenty, that keep us going.
This week was full of those sorts of moments.
We always break from the tedium for Sundays, but this week was special because we actually made it to church -- a rare treat this winter. We also enjoyed some Superbowl festivities, as we streamed the game on our projector while feasting on a redneck charcuterie board: cheese, salami, veggies, dip, and a smattering of chips and crackers. We even whipped up some of our favorite homemade meatballs in the slow cooker (a gamble that turned out well). Bonnie-Jean and Jeremiah wowed us all with some fantastic grilled buffalo wings. It felt good to cheer on the Chiefs and just relax for a few hours. It was one of the best football games I have ever watched, and seeing the Chiefs bring home another victory was downright exhilarating.
Then, midweek, we found another reprieve in Valentine's Day. Our brother Jeremiah took the opportunity to inspire some whole-family fun. He planned an international candy game for the evening before, where we all tasted candy from around the world and earned points by guessing where each came from. Those with the highest scores earned hints for a Valentine's Day mystery game, where we were each assigned a role to play in a day-long tournament of compliments. It was utterly ridiculous, inspiring much laughter on Valentine's Day itself. The winner of the Festival of Hearts this year was our niece Chloe, as she correctly guessed which character each family member played. We took the day off from the bunkhouse so we could do some extra cleaning and laundry. We also took a bit longer to prepare our dinner -- beef bourguignon, mashed potatoes, and green beans. It was supposed to be followed by a low-sugar chocolate mousse, but we were so full we had to eat it the next day.
The rest of the week unfolded in its customary way. The men worked on the roof when they were home and the weather allowed for it.
We spent the rest of the days working on framing. The rake walls are coming right along, though I have to say this is the most tedious job we have yet to tackle. I'm surprised daily with how painstakingly slow the process of cutting custom studs is.
Jeremiah's German Shepherd, Dagger, has continued to have problems with his paw. He stepped on a thorn now more than a month ago, and he has been to the vet almost weekly since. This week, another abscess appeared on his paw, so Bonnie-Jean scheduled him for another visit to Springfield next week. I feel bad for the poor dog, but on top of that, we could all use a break from the dog drama. Having a limping 90-lb German Shepherd puppy cooped up in the tent has tried everyone's patience. Life is crazy enough already.
We have not chosen an easy life. The realities of a typical day have become so common that we sometimes forget how inconvenient they are. It is hard having your food scattered around three buildings. It is hard not having an oven. It is hard having to shower outside (or not being able to shower at all some days). It is hard to get the laundry to dry in the cold. It is hard washing dishes outside in the rain. It is hard living in such close quarters with so many people.
Some weeks feel more difficult than others, and at times, we can be hard on ourselves, wondering why we can't get more done or why we can't get along better. Sometimes, having the right perspective takes stepping back and looking at all we are doing and all we have done. God is stretching us every day in so many directions. If things seemed easier, we wouldn't have so many opportunities for growth.
And then, in the midst of so much striving -- we find moments of joy and celebration. It is as if God gives us a little breathing room, reminding us to rest in His grace and laugh a little. It is an interesting lesson for the first week of Lent, a season traditionally dedicated to fasting and penitence. Just as there are church seasons, though, there are life seasons. Perhaps, this Lent, the best fast would be one that frees the soul for more joy. As we prepare our hearts for Easter, I hope we can fast from stress and worry, as we balance what feels like too much most days. I hope we can fast from conflict, as we look for ways to solve our differences. I hope we can fast from expecting too much from ourselves, as we look ahead to the great celebration of grace.