“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Today’s post comes with a headache. We’re now two days into a new roof here at Maul-Hall, and the pounding just won’t stop.

Yesterday was all about tearing out of the old (1986) roof, including removal of compromised and rotted plywood, fascia, soffiting, and even some siding; then today is focused on getting in the new roof before this evening’s rain and then snowstorm. The garage, guttering, and more will have to wait for after the deep freeze.

NO LEAKS!

Here’s what’s interesting: our roof wasn’t leaking; we didn’t have any water coming into the attic; where were no tell-tale stains on the ceilings. Sure, we could see some rot on the fascia, but – to the casual observer – it looked like we should have managed to squeeze another few years of life from the existing shingles.

Underneath, however, it was another story. When the first layer came off I could see the rot. So far we’ve had to replace an additional six sheets of plywood. Some of the fascia was so soft you could stick a finger right through.

Yet, still, some roofers offered less costly quotes by saying, “We can save you money by laying your new roof right on top of this old one.” In other words, “I can make this look good from the street, cover up, and ignore the rot entirely…” Thanks but no thanks.

DEVOTIONAL:

The spiritual parallels here are impossible to ignore. This is why Jesus is in the re-creation, renovation, restoration, and rehabilitation business – not decorating. If we want to build – and maintain – an ongoing relationship with God that tells the world a worthwhile story, then we must be willing to let God enter our story, strip us down to the studs sometimes, and remodel us from the ground up.

Then – and this is a huge point at the beginning of a New Year – it’s critically important that we understand just how costly re-creation can be. Not just showing up at church with our shiny, happy faces on (although that’s certainly what attending church can do for our faces), but completely investing ourselves – time, talent, resources – in an ongoing commitment to following Jesus as intentional disciples.

We are called to renovation to the core. That’s where God begins the rest of the work. That’s why I am so optimistic that 2017 will be filled with more than promise, and adventure, but also with a future defined by hope.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

In love, and because of love – DEREK