Build as for years.

We have been doing some projects in our house for the past year. This follows the pattern we set in our previous homes. I suppose this stems from the need for improvements, which, at least at the first part of each project, is spurred on by the enjoyment of doing them.

In both our two previous homes, we felt we could be there for years. In this home, we fully plan to move away. And so, in deciding on projects to do here, we must judge what makes sense to do based on the fact we plan on leaving. One approach would be just to do the minimum that makes things livable. Yet, we still have done some substantial work - new bedrooms for our children, bathrooms, etc. on the list we have done, and have a list of more to do (a list that seems to grow by itself). We are tempering our approach (and keeping a budget), but are doing more than just the minimum.

I think a large part of this comes from wanting to make this a home now. We have made this feel like home, have made some changes that have function, and that make this space our own.

A thought from scripture stays in my mind: build as for years. To me, this has implications for making a good physical home now, to build in a way that lasts. Moreover, do everything in a way that would last, most importantly in relationships with people.

Well, hope that's not too much intro for saying my son and I finished his closet door tonight. He used his own screwdriver on the doorknob.

Holiday Trees

Driving through downtown tonight:

"Look, they finally took the Christmas tree down."

"Yes, they have to get that done so they can get ready for the next holiday, Washington's birthday. They put a tree up for that one too, a cherry tree. But that one comes down promptly. They chop it down that very day."

Groan.

It's cold out there today..It's cold out there every day.

The other day was Groundhog Day. If the day is notable to me, it is less for animal weather prediction than as a reminder of a movie I truly enjoy. Yes, the movie Groundhog Day. My wife even reminds me that we need to watch it that day, as it has become somewhat of a tradition.

This year found me falling asleep before it was complete. But even without a full viewing, just having the day come reminds me of many of the, shall I say, morals to be taken from this story. Because the film is thought provoking, above its humor, it bears repeated viewing (though I still laugh every time).

Among the points I find in it, are the pitfalls of self-centeredness, yet paradoxically the benefits of personal growth and development. The need to connect with, care for, and serve our neighbors. The folly of seeking happiness and contentment in chasing pleasure, being inauthentic and manipulative. The importance of bringing out the best in others, and being your best self. Blooming where you are planted.

I am starting to sound cliche, yet I don't want to extend into any lengthy analysis. I always enjoyed more the reading of books than the belabored, often postured and amateur, analysis of them in English class. Maybe it was just the manner of that setting (though it wasn't uniformly unpleasant), for I do love to talk about ideas and to discuss meaning. Regardless, I don't feel up to extended exposition on the movie right now - maybe later. I need to go to sleep so the clock-radio doesn't find me groggy tomorrow.

("What if there is no tomorrow? There wasn't one today.")