Cedar siding

      I was sitting in on a presentation yesterday, a business meeting actually, where we looked at different options for the siding in our aging community.  This would be a joint decision. We looked at all the options and associated costs and tried to get an idea of what the job would entail and the impact on our community.  Part of the decision was looking at potential rabbit holes that each option might open up. 'What if' this happens or that happens, unforeseen costs of each option. We wanted to be as ready as we could be.

       "if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into". We do try to prepare for life don't we?  I recall a professor in college who lectured nonstop from the moment we sat down until the moment we left the room. There was no question as to what would be on the exam - every single thing! We would study as hard as we could and then proclaim that we have prepared as best we can. Again, we do try to prepare, don't we?

         I suppose if we knew the moment we were going to die, we might try to prepare for meeting our maker in a more diligent manner. It certainly is sobering when you are in a situation ( as I have ) where you know your life could end in a flash, with barely a moments notice.

          The crux of all this is to do the best we can. I know that God is not asking us for perfection. That is not possible for us. But it does not excuse doing nothing.  We really are tasked at doing the best we can. Self evaluation, the "examen" if you will, and earnestly trying to love is our task. Being the best "me" as God created me to be is the whole task.  

I profess that I want to be the most loving, father, spouse, grandfather, gay man I can be. Look at who I am am, assess, change, love, grow, love, learn, grow and so forth. Not perfection, just preparing for whatever comes and whatever I am called to do.

          At the end of our meeting yesterday I came away thinking we will be able to maintain the pristine character of our  shore side community built of timbers and cedar. I know we are preparing together, dong our best in every way.  What more does God ask of any of us? 

Luke 12:32-40

‘Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

‘Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.

‘But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.’