The Red Door

This is my front door. 

And there is a story. 

When I bought this house three and a half years ago I was sad. 

I was leaving North Texas, a place I loved. My friends were there and it wasn't all that far from AZ where my parents live. It was the place I had grown spiritually and emotionally. A lot of good things had happened there for me.

However, the last two years in that town had been difficult ones for my husband. Probably the most difficult years he has ever had in his life.  He had a wrestle with the Lord that 

challenged him personally, professionally, emotionally, financially, spiritually and physically. 

It was a hard time. 

That two year chapter in our lives ended with our first move to North Carolina.  

One of my dearest friends, Jen with one N, came to help me find a house here in the piney woods.

We came on a weekend and had exactly 48 hours to find and buy the house of our North Carolina dreams. 

The realtor had about a dozen homes for us to look at and I was convinced that the Lord already had a home for us. I just knew He had a place in mind for The Sweet Mister to heal, for our family to recuperate. I had it set in my heart and mind that Jen and I weren't going home until I had bought that house, where ever it may be.

I had made a list of things that I knew the house needed: four bedrooms, a garage, lots of light, and preferably in the country with a bit earth to call our our "own."

But there were a few things that weren't necessary: a deck, two stories, separate dining room and kitchen. You know, things that would be nice, but not really necessary.

There was also something that I wanted that I hadn't dared to write down, but it was a desire in my heart.

A red door.

It wasn't until we had moved in and settled in that I realized that God had not only chosen a house that had nearly everything on my list, but He has also graciously given me the desire of my heart. Foolish as it was. 

Y'all, as I was hanging up our fall wreath on the door this week, I was filled with gratitude for a living and gracious God, who is kind and compassionate. Who heals the brokenhearted and cares for the smallest of details in our lives. 

I do not type lightly when I say that I do not deserve the red doors of life. I certainly haven't earned them. Which makes my heart flutter all the more with praise. God lavishly loves us by knowing the desires of our heart. He knows and understands the longings we don't want to admit we have.

Psalm 63:7

 I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, 

       the deeds for which he is to be praised,       

according to all the LORD has done for us— 

       yes, the many good things he has done 

       for the house of Israel, 

       according to his compassion and many kindnesses

La Vida Dulce!

PS: As I type, meh of Biding My Time, is about to get on a plane to visit for the weekend!  The blog may be quiet until Tuesday!