But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” – 1 Samuel 8:19-20

Monday morning started out with a beautiful walk by the Tar River then up Main Street and through the Town Common. Rebekah and I enjoyed our weekend in Florida but it is tough to beat North Carolina in the autumn.

The sunrise over the river was glorious, and some of the fall colors are breathtaking. I love the piles of leaves on the ground and the cool air and the crisp brightness of the November days.

Also, up on the common, both sides of Main Street were festooned with flags in honor of Veterans Day.

Then, before heading over to Wake Forest for more work at the house, we did a quick walk through at 408 Saint Patrick.

Oh my! A lot has happened since last Wednesday! The kitchen is beginning to take shape, the chimneys have been secured, and work is under way to uncover and restore the five fireplaces as architectural features.

I think what grabs us about the restoration is how unique this house is. It was built by late 19th Century craftsmen who made much of it up as they went along. We’re not sure exactly when the original was added onto, but the same principles applied. Nothing is standard, and the result is a one-of-a-kind home we can’t wait to share.

One of a kind:

It makes me think of the Bible study I’m doing with the men this morning. It’s the story of when the Children of Israel confronted God – through Samuel – and demanded they have a king. “We want to be just like all the other nations,” they said.

Good grief. God had called these people apart and was crafting them into something special. God intended for them to demonstrate what it was like to live as God’s people – distinct from the status quo.

But no, “We want to be just like everyone else….”

Cookie cutter people… in cookie cutter houses… living mediocre lives that fail to come anywhere close to the glory and the beauty of the light-saturated witness we are called to.

It is another new day. Who knows what lesson God has to teach us? I just pray that we are all alert to learn and ready to be who God calls us to be rather than taking the mediocre path… “Just like the other nations….”

Peace and more peace, always – DEREK