Nesting

I found this nest yesterday while out walking. The residents had flown the coop . . . ‘er, nest . . . certainly a couple moons ago, but it made me think about all the nesting Craig and I have done over the last year.

Cold air was leaking into our home, so we replaced doors and windows. Interior and balcony railings were downright dangerous, so those were rebuilt. Light fixtures needed to be replaced outside prior to badly needed paint, so those were changed out, and then we realized that many inside could have problems (they did), so we replaced those, too.

The long and short of it is that our home is warmer and comfier after a year-long effort (with more to finish ahead).

But there was a sort of restlessness that crept into my heart during the process. I wanted to remake the nest completely . . . when that really was not needed.

This attitude was a tad ironic, in view of the fact that my word for 2018 was contentment. As I was walking yesterday I realized that I had been so accustomed to changing things out, that that perspective had begun to influence my view of my car and furnishings and clothing. Contentment was certainly not happening as I began to see wants as needs.

So, my word for 2018 is STILL contentment. I know God wants to do that work in me–to make me content no matter my surroundings or circumstances.

Paul wrote, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”

As I look around my living room today, I know in my heart of hearts that it needs not a single new thing to be a comfortable nest that would welcome family and friends . . . other than a smile and maybe a fairly decent pot roast.

Blessings to you as you nest into 2018!